They use this site to upload sample files of victim data as proof of the hack, and if the victims refuse to pay, they eventually upload all of their data to the site for anyone to download. They were the first to utilize a “name-and-shame” website to publish the names of victims who had refused to comply with ransom demands. The frontrunners in this new business model were the actors behind the “ Maze” ransomware. This model turns what was already a potentially long and expensive recovery from a ransomware attack into a data breach, causing victim companies to comply with required legal and notification requirements and face potential lawsuits and brand reputation damage. The deadly duo: Ransomware with h ack and leakīy late 2019, threat actors had devised a business model combining ransomware capable of infecting a company’s networks with data theft and a method of publicly shaming non-compliant victims, thereby drastically increasing their chance of successful extortion. This was a watershed moment for ransomware, putting it firmly in the public eye, as it affected many large organisations, caused widespread damage and required a global response. Use of this tactic was accelerated in 2017 when the WannaCry ransomware spread across the globe, becoming the first strain to be ‘wormable’-it propagated through the ‘EternalBlue’ exploit. Ransomware – Ransomware evolved from encrypting individual systems to whole networks, making it ideal for extorting businesses.“The Dark Overlord” (TDO) became the most prolific and well-known threat group in this field between 20-up until the arrest of alleged members, which appeared to put a stop to their activities. Hack-and-Leak Operations – While there are many examples of threat actors hacking targets and leaking data to influence political thought, criminals have also used this tactic for financial gain.This has encouraged criminals to extort companies by threatening to carry out online smear campaigns and posting negative reviews on popular sites, such as Google and Yelp, if a ransom is not paid. Smear Campaigns – Criminals have taken advantage of the fact that many businesses are increasingly reliant on maintaining a positive image on social media and review sites. This tactic tends to see a spike in use during times of fear and anxiety, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, to add pressure on companies already under strain. Criminals have learned that businesses in certain industries-particularly financial institutions and retailers that rely heavily on their websites for online banking and e-commerce, respectively-incurred very negative effects from downtime on their public-facing, online services.
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