Source URL: https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2024/08/the-state-of-ransomware.html
Source: Schneier on Security
Title: The State of Ransomware
Feedly Summary: Palo Alto Networks published its semi-annual report on ransomware. From the Executive Summary:
Unit 42 monitors ransomware and extortion leak sites closely to keep tabs on threat activity. We reviewed compromise announcements from 53 dedicated leak sites in the first half of 2024 and found 1,762 new posts. This averages to approximately 294 posts a month and almost 68 posts a week. Of the 53 ransomware groups whose leak sites we monitored, six of the groups accounted for more than half of the compromises observed.
In February, we reported a 49% increase year-over-year in alleged victims posted on ransomware leak sites. So far, in 2024, comparing the first half of 2023 to the first half of 2024, we see an even further increase of 4.3%. The higher level of activity observed in 2023 was no fluke…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The report from Palo Alto Networks highlights a significant escalation in ransomware activity, suggesting ongoing challenges in combating these cyber threats. The findings are crucial for security professionals, particularly in understanding the evolving landscape of ransomware and its implications for incident response plans and security strategies.
Detailed Description: The semi-annual report from Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42 provides a comprehensive analysis of ransomware and extortion trends. The following key points can be drawn from the report:
– **Monitoring of Ransomware Activity**: The Unit 42 team has closely monitored 53 dedicated ransomware leak sites, documenting 1,762 new posts in the first half of 2024. This reflects a frightening monthly average of approximately 294 posts and nearly 68 posts per week.
– **Ransomware Groups**: The report reveals that six specific ransomware groups are responsible for over 50% of the compromises observed on these leak sites.
– **Increase in Victims**: There has been a reported 49% increase year-over-year in the number of alleged victims on ransomware leak sites. Comparing the first halves of 2023 and 2024, there is an additional increase of 4.3%, indicating a troubling trend of heightened ransomware activity.
– **Activity Evolution**: Although some groups, such as Ambitious Scorpius and Flighty Scorpius, have diminished their operations likely due to law enforcement actions, other groups like Spoiled Scorpius and Slippery Scorpius have emerged to take their place.
– **Implications for Security Strategies**:
– Rising ransomware incidents necessitate an urgent reevaluation of existing security measures.
– Organizations need to enhance their monitoring capabilities over potential threat vectors and improve incident response strategies.
– Engaging in proactive threat intelligence gathering and sharing could aid in anticipating and thwarting impending attacks.
The information in this report serves as a critical resource for security professionals aiming to stay ahead of ransomware threats and develop robust defensive frameworks in the context of evolving cyber risks.