Ransomware Rampage: Cybercrime Costs Soar Despite FBI Crackdown
Digital scammers and extortionists swindled $16.6 billion from the US last year, the highest recorded by the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center in 25 years. Ransomware remains the biggest threat, with LockBit topping the list. Despite FBI crackdowns, the scourge continues, with extortion scams costing Americans $143.2 million.
Hot Take:
It’s official, folks! Cybercrime is the world’s worst magician, making $16.6 billion disappear from the pockets of unsuspecting Americans last year. And just when you thought the FBI was pulling the ultimate rabbit-out-of-a-hat trick with their cyber solutions, the tricksters and scammers of the digital world have upped their game. It’s like playing whack-a-mole with a blindfold on—every time you think you’ve squashed one, a new one pops up! Keep your passwords close and your firewalls closer, because the cyber circus is far from over!
Key Points:
– Cybercriminals stole $16.6 billion from US businesses and individuals in 2024, the highest losses ever.
– Ransomware is still the biggest threat to critical infrastructure, with a 9% increase in complaints.
– Despite FBI’s efforts, extortion is the second most reported cybercrime with over 86,000 complaints.
– LockBit remains the top ransomware variant, followed by Akira, RansomHub, Fog, and PLAY.
– Ransomware losses reported to IC3 amounted to $12.5 million, with underreporting likely understating the issue.