LockBit key actor in today's cyber threat scene with 17 per cent of engagements: Report

New Delhi, Feb 20 (IANS) – According to a new report by global cyber risk management company Arete, the LockBit ransomware group has been identified as a significant player in the current threat landscape, responsible for 17 per cent of ransomware engagements in 2023.

The hacking group has shown the ability to target organizations across various industries and countries, demonstrating both intent and competence in their attacks, said Arete’s senior VP for government relations and operational intelligence sharing, David Lacquement.

The report provides analysis and insights on the top ten ransomware variants observed, comparing the impacts and challenges of RaaS (Ransomware-as-a-Service) operations and closed groups. It also highlights LockBit’s expansion into MacOS and Linux environments, as well as its efforts to increase ransom demands.

In 2023, ransoms were paid in 31.3 per cent of engagements, leading threat actors to become more aggressive in their negotiating tactics and demand significantly higher ransoms, the report noted. Additionally, ALPHV/BlackCat represented 14 per cent of ransomware engagements in 2023, with a notable increase in Q3.

First identified attacking victims in November 2021, ALPHV/BlackCat has maintained a strong presence as a formidable RaaS enterprise, according to the report. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, organizations are urged to adapt their defenses and controls to protect themselves from such attacks.

(Source: IANS)