Ransomware Rampage: When Cybercriminals Go from Keyboard Warriors to Real-life Villains!
Ransomware actors are going above and beyond—literally—to pressure victims, now threatening physical harm to executives. In 40% of incidents, executives felt the heat, and in the US, it’s up to 46%. Semperis reports this extreme measure as a response to stubborn victims refusing to pay demands.
Hot Take:
When ransomware attackers start channeling their inner mob boss and threaten physical harm, you know it’s time to upgrade your cybersecurity game. These digital thugs are taking a page out of a crime drama script, but unfortunately, it’s not just a Netflix series. Meanwhile, victims are paying ransoms like they’re buying their way into an elite club of repeat targets. So, remember: the only thing more dangerous than paying the ransom is not having a backup plan. Stay cyber-wise, folks!
Key Points:
- Physical harm threats to executives are rising, with 40% of incidents involving such threats.
- Regulatory complaints used as leverage in 47% of attacks, peaking at 58% for US firms.
- Ransomware payments are down 35%, but a large percentage of victims still pay.
- A whopping 78% of organizations were targeted by ransomware in the past year.
- Paying ransoms doesn’t guarantee recovery, with 15% receiving no or corrupted decryption keys.