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Top ransomware groups
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Known threat actors
Ransomware groups behind the attacks
Below is a breakdown of the most active ransomware groups and the variants driving their attacks.
Most active ransomware groups in the UK
Active ransomware groups
Active groups such as Play ransomware and Akira have dominated the ransomware ecosystem. These ransomware gangs operate with increasing sophistication, often leveraging ransomware as a service (RaaS) models to expand their reach. The rapid pace at which these groups evolve makes them formidable adversaries for security professionals.
Ransomware attacks have surged in frequency and complexity, with threat actors exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities and credential compromise to gain access to targeted organisations. These attacks typically involve file encryption, data theft, and ransom demands, often resulting in significant financial and reputational damage. The median ransom payment has increased, reflecting the growing boldness of ransomware groups.
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Top ransomware groups
In the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, top ransomware groups continue to pose significant threats to organisations across various sectors.
These active ransomware groups are responsible for some of the most devastating ransomware attacks in recent years, targeting critical infrastructure, healthcare sector, retail sectors, and cloud environments. Understanding the operations, tactics, and impact of these ransomware groups is essential for developing effective defense strategies.
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- Encrypted files & ransomware data recovery
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Ransomware groups emerge
New ransomware group actors continue to emerge, adding to the complexity of the ransomware landscape. These groups often adopt tactics from established groups, creating a dynamic and unpredictable threat environment. The emergence of groups like Safepay and others highlights the adaptability of cybercriminals in the ransomware ecosystem.
Ransomware groups operate as organised cybercriminal enterprises, often with ties to other groups and established infrastructure. These groups use phishing campaigns, exploited vulnerabilities, and supply chain attacks to infiltrate systems. Once inside, they deploy ransomware payloads, encrypt sensitive information, and demand ransom payments in exchange for encryption keys.
Most active ransomware groups
Trend Micro revealed that the most active ransomware groups in the first half of the previous year included Black Basta, BlackSuit, Qilin, and PLAY, These groups were responsible for a significant portion of ransomware operations, targeting various sectors and exploiting supply chain vulnerabilities. Their activities underscore the need for continuous threat intelligence and monitoring.
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Ransomware gangs Ransomware gangs operate with a high degree of coordination, often using random algorithms to generate domains, offering link shortening services, and maintaining leak sites to pressure victims. These gangs are known for targeting bigger targets and demanding higher ransom payments, making them a top concern for global law enforcement operation efforts.
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Ransomware payments Ransomware payments remain a contentious issue, with fear driving organisations to pay to regain access to data. However, paying the ransom may violate financial sanctions, which is a criminal offence and could result in a custodial sentence or further penalties. Despite law enforcement takedowns and global cooperation disrupting operations, the threat persists, and victims must weigh the risks and consequences of ransom payments.
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Akira Ransomware Emerging in March 2023, Akira is a Russian-speaking ransomware group, which has rapidly become one of the most active and dangerous variants. Operating under a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, Akira distributes its malware to affiliate threat actors who carry out attacks across multiple sectors.
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Ransomware ecosystem The ransomware ecosystem is a complex web of threat actors, tools, and services. The RaaS model has enabled less technically skilled actors to launch sophisticated attacks, contributing to the proliferation of ransomware threats. This ecosystem thrives on unpatched systems, weak security practices, and the lucrative nature of ransomware attacks.
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Ransomware landscape The ransomware landscape is constantly shifting, with new threats emerging and old ones evolving. Security professionals must stay informed about the latest trends, including the use of multi-factor authentication, defence strategies, and threat intelligence sharing. The dynamic nature of the ransomware landscape requires a proactive and adaptive approach to cyber security.
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Supply chain Exploiting supply chain vulnerabilities has become a favoured tactic among ransomware groups. By compromising third-party vendors or software providers, attackers can gain access to multiple targets simultaneously. This method has proven effective in bypassing traditional security measures and amplifying the impact of ransomware attacks.
The threat posed by top ransomware groups is real and growing. From active ransomware groups to emerging ransomware gangs, the ransomware ecosystem continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Organisations must prioritise cybersecurity, invest in threat intelligence, and collaborate with law enforcement to combat ransomware threats. By understanding the tactics and operations of these groups, we can develop more effective defence strategies and protect sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.
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