Tag: ransomware
1154 articles
New Extortion Crews Mimic Scattered Spider Tactics in Rapid Attacks
New extortion crews, Cordial Spider and Snarky Spider, are rapidly carrying out data-theft-for-extortion campaigns, closely mimicking the tactics of notorious group Scattered Spider. These financially motivated groups, tied to The Com, have been targeting US-based organizations since October 2025.
AI-Driven Cybercrime Fuels 389% Surge in Ransomware Victims
Get ready for a wake-up call: ransomware victims have skyrocketed by 389% in just one year, thanks to cybercriminals harnessing the power of AI to launch more sophisticated attacks. This alarming trend is driven by the growing availability of malicious AI tools, making it easier for hackers to wreak havoc.
Ransomware Drives 90% of Manufacturing Cyber Losses
Ransomware is wreaking havoc on the manufacturing sector, responsible for a staggering 90% of total cyber losses - despite accounting for just a small fraction of claims. When ransomware strikes, the financial blow is severe, highlighting the urgent need for robust security measures.
VECT 2.0 Ransomware Exploits Flaw to Permanently Destroy Large Files
VECT 2.0 ransomware has a devastating flaw that can permanently destroy large files, including routine documents and databases, by exploiting a bug in its encryption process. This flaw kicks in even for files as small as 128 KB, making it a serious threat to valuable data.
Vect Ransomware Exposed as Data Wiper, Not Recovery Tool
Meet Vect, a so-called ransomware that's actually a data wiper, making full recovery impossible - even for the attackers themselves. This destructive malware permanently destroys files larger than 128KB, rendering it useless for data recovery and a serious threat to enterprise assets.
Medtronic Probes Corporate Data Breach After ShinyHunters Claims
Medtronic is investigating a corporate data breach after a cybercrime group called ShinyHunters claimed to have stolen over nine million records, including personal info and internal company data. The company confirmed that an unauthorized party accessed certain internal systems, sparking a probe into the incident.
VECT 2.0 Ransomware Exposes Flaw, Irreparably Destroys Large Files
Meet VECT 2.0, a malicious ransomware that doesn't just hold your files hostage - it destroys them, leaving you with no way to recover even if you pay up. This cunning malware wreaks havoc on large files across Windows, Linux, and ESXi hosts, causing irreversible damage.
Ransomware Groups Clash in Turf War, Exposing Each Other's Operations
In a shocking display of cyber turf warfare, ransomware groups are clashing and exposing each other's operations, with one group, KryBit, firing back at 0APT with a defiant message. The online battle began when 0APT claimed to have taken down three rival groups, but its boasts only sparked a retaliatory strike.
Medtronic Discloses Cyber Breach by ShinyHunters Gang
Medtronic recently reported a cyber breach by the ShinyHunters gang to federal authorities and the SEC, revealing that hackers had infiltrated its corporate IT system. Fortunately, the company has found no evidence that patient safety or electronic connections to customers were compromised.
BlackFile Targets Retail, Hospitality with Extortion Attacks
Meet BlackFile, a notorious extortion group wreaking havoc on the retail and hospitality sectors with high-stakes attacks, demanding seven-figure ransoms from its victims. With a modus operandi that includes impersonation and voice-phishing, this threat actor is using pressure tactics to get what they want.
ADT Breach Exposes 5.5 Million in ShinyHunters Hack
A massive data breach at ADT has put 5.5 million people's personal info at risk, including names, phone numbers, addresses, and sensitive details like dates of birth and Social Security numbers. The breach, linked to the ShinyHunters extortion group, has left millions vulnerable to potential identity theft and scams.
ADT Confirms Data Breach After ShinyHunters Extortion Threat
ADT confirmed a data breach after a threat from hackers known as ShinyHunters, who demanded an extortion payment. The breach exposed sensitive customer info, including names, phone numbers, addresses, and in some cases, dates of birth and Social Security numbers.
HIPAA Fines Hit $1.7 Million for Risk Analysis Failures
The consequences of neglecting HIPAA risk analysis are steep: four entities recently paid a total of $1.7 million in fines for failing to conduct accurate, timely, and thorough assessments, exposing sensitive health information of nearly 427,000 individuals to hacking and ransomware threats.
Carnival Breach Exposes 7.5M Emails in Alleged ShinyHunters Hack
A massive data breach at Carnival Corporation has exposed a whopping 7.5 million emails, allegedly at the hands of the notorious ShinyHunters hack group, after failed negotiations between the two parties left customers' sensitive information vulnerable. The breach is said to have yielded terabytes of internal corporate data, sparking concerns for customers and the company behind Holland America Line.
Former Ransomware Negotiator Pleads Guilty to Aiding BlackCat Cyber Gang
A former ransomware negotiator turned rogue, Angelo Martino has pleaded guilty to aiding the notorious BlackCat cyber gang, betraying his employer and the industry he was meant to serve. By secretly collaborating with BlackCat, Martino launched devastating ransomware attacks, causing harm to innocent victims and lining his own pockets.
Lawmakers Weigh Terrorism Labels for Hospital Ransomware Attacks
Lawmakers are considering slapping terrorism labels on ransomware attacks targeting hospitals, a move that could lead to severe penalties for those responsible, as Rep. Michael Guest says there should be no penalties too severe for individuals that target the healthcare system. This tough stance comes as experts and officials discuss ways to deter the growing threat of hospital ransomware attacks.
Former Ransomware Negotiator Pleads Guilty to Extortion Scheme
A former ransomware negotiator has pleaded guilty to masterminding a brazen extortion scheme that raked in a staggering $75.3 million, exploiting his position to secretly collude with ransomware gangs and betray the very companies he was supposed to protect. Angelo John Martino III faces up to 20 years in prison for his role in the conspiracy.
Ex-FBI Chief Urges Homicide Charges for Ransomware Actors Tied to Patient Deaths
It's time to hold ransomware attackers accountable for their deadly actions - Cynthia Kaiser, ex-FBI chief, urges prosecutors to consider felony homicide charges when attacks on hospitals result in patient deaths. Closing the gap between crime severity and consequences is crucial, she stresses.
Gentlemen Ransomware Operation Exposes 1,570 Victims Through SystemBC Malware
A shocking 1,570 networks worldwide have been compromised by the sneaky SystemBC malware, which has been quietly building a massive botnet of victims across the globe. This stealthy threat can even download and execute additional malware, putting your security at risk.
Ransomware Negotiator Pleads Guilty to Aiding BlackCat Extortions
Meet Angelo Martino, a 41-year-old from Florida who just pleaded guilty to helping the notorious BlackCat ransomware gang extort even bigger payouts from US companies. Martino teamed up with the BlackCat operators in April 2023, marking the start of his involvement in their malicious activities.
Gentlemen Ransomware Spreads Rapidly Through Affiliate Network
Gentlemen Ransomware is spreading rapidly through its affiliate network, fueling a surge in multi-platform attacks and infections linked to the malicious tool SystemBC. This ransomware-as-a-service operation is making it alarmingly easy for cybercriminals to join the fray and wreak havoc.
Former Ransomware Negotiator Pleads Guilty in High-Profile Gang Case
In a shocking twist, a former ransomware negotiator has pleaded guilty to aiding the notorious ALPHV/BlackCat gang in extorting millions from US businesses, raising disturbing questions about the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator. This comes on the heels of a nonprofit organization paying a staggering $26.8 million ransom.
Former Ransomware Negotiator Pleads Guilty to BlackCat Attacks
A former expert who was paid to negotiate with cybercriminals has taken a shocking turn, pleading guilty to participating in high-profile BlackCat ransomware attacks on US companies. Angelo Martino, a 41-year-old ex-incident responder, admitted to his role in the 2023 attacks.
Adaptavist Group Breach Sparks Imposter Email Scams
When security breaches strike, even the most trusted names can be compromised - and The Adaptavist Group is the latest example, with hackers using stolen credentials to gain access and now sending fake emails that could put your data at risk.