Cyber Criminals With A PR Department

A whitepaper by researchers at Sophos highlights how, rather than remaining anonymous, ransomware gangs now engage with the media to shape the narrative around a hack and gain a tactical and strategic advantage. 

The Ransomware Threat 

Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system or data (typically by encrypting it), until a ransom is paid. It’s worth remembering that even if a ransom is paid, it may not mean that data is ever returned. Ransomware has become increasingly popular among cybercriminals due to its lucrative nature and the ease with which it can be distributed, such as via phishing emails, malicious downloads, or exploiting security vulnerabilities. The rise of cryptocurrencies has also facilitated anonymous ransom payments, making it harder to trace and prosecute perpetrators.