September 11, 2024 at 02:47PM
The Meow ransomware group has gained momentum, claiming the second most active gang spot in global ransomware attacks. The group has shifted its focus from encrypting files to selling stolen data, adopting a new tactic in the cybercrime landscape. Meanwhile, RansomHub continues to dominate the rankings with 15 percent of global attacks.
Based on the meeting notes, here are the key takeaways:
1. Meow ransomware group has experienced a surge in activity and claimed nine percent of all global ransomware attacks in August, moving up to the second-most active position.
2. Meow has shifted its focus from encrypting victims’ files to data theft, adopting a pure extortion model wherein stolen data is sold to private bidders.
3. The group has introduced a new pricing strategy for the stolen data, offering both non-exclusive and exclusive access options with varying price ranges.
4. Selling data rather than extorting victims has traditionally been viewed as a final resort tactic, and doubts have been raised about the profitability and success of this new approach.
5. RansomHub remains the top ransomware threat, claiming 15 percent of all global attacks in August and aggressively targeting systems across multiple environments.
6. Despite facing law enforcement actions, LockBit 3 ransomware strain was still responsible for 8 percent of attacks in August, indicating its lingering presence in the cybercrime landscape.
These takeaways provide a comprehensive summary of the evolving dynamics within the ransomware landscape, particularly highlighting the changing tactics of Meow ransomware group and the continued dominance of RansomHub in the cybercrime arena.