Ransomware payments soared in 2023, reaching a record $1.1 billion extorted from targets of the scheme, according to research by Chainalysis. report It was released on Wednesday.
The New York-based company’s report details how ransomware attackers are targeting companies like British Airways and their infrastructure, which has led to soaring ransoms. .
The report said the 2023 figure is a significant increase from $567 million in 2022 and shows ransomware is a “growing problem.”
Cybercriminal groups are targeting schools, hospitals, and casinos. The group is also targeting wealthier companies. According to Chainalysis, they employ a “big game” strategy, deploying fewer attacks but acquiring larger payloads with each attack.
Casino company Caesars Entertainment suffered a cyberattack last September, days after another casino company, MGM Resorts International, reported “cybersecurity issues” that took down some of the hotel and casino’s computer systems. received.
MGM Resorts had Recovery costs from the attack were $100 million. Chainalysis’ report does not detail additional losses, which could exceed millions of dollars, if incurred after the breach. US fuel company Colonial Pipeline had to shut down operations for several days in May following a ransomware attack.
On Thursday, the State Department announced The reward offers up to $10 million to anyone with information that can help identify or locate leaders associated with Hive, a global ransomware gang known for extorting more than $100 million in ransoms. That’s what it means. The Justice Department disbanded the group in January last year.
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