Ransomware losses in the US have seen a significant increase, reaching $59.6 million in 2023. This surge in losses is alarming and highlights the growing threat posed by cybercriminals.
Description
Ransomware incidents in the US rose by 74% in 2023, with 2825 cases reported to the FBI [2]. However, the actual figure is likely higher due to underreporting [2]. Threat actors are evolving their tactics, using multiple ransomware variants and data-destruction techniques to pressure victims [2]. LockBit emerged as the most impactful ransomware variant on critical infrastructure [2], followed by ALPHV/BlackCat [2], Akira [1] [2], Royal [1] [2], and Black Basta [1] [2]. Investment fraud was the costliest internet crime in 2023 [2], followed by business email compromise and tech/customer support scams [2]. Phishing was the most commonly reported internet crime [2], with nearly 300,000 complaints received by the FBI [2].
Conclusion
The rise in ransomware losses and cybercrimes underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures. Organizations must invest in robust security protocols, employee training, and incident response plans to mitigate the risks posed by cyber threats. Collaboration between law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity experts, and businesses is crucial to combatting cybercrime effectively. Looking ahead, proactive measures and vigilance are essential to safeguarding critical infrastructure and data from malicious actors.
References
[1] https://securityaffairs.com/160142/cyber-crime/2023-fbi-internet-crime-report.html
[2] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/fbi-us-ransomware-losses-surge/
