It is a type of malicious software that is designed to deny access to computer systems or sensitive data until a ransom is paid.
While ransomware has been around for decades, ransomware attacks are becoming more sophisticated.
In 2018, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received 1,493 ransomware complaints that cost victims over $3.6 million.
Top Ransomware Attacks in Recent History
Ransomware attacks have evolved from rudimentary threats to sophisticated operations targeting global corporations. Here are some of the most notorious examples:
1. WannaCry (2017)
One of the most infamous ransomware attacks, WannaCry, exploited a vulnerability in the outdated versions of Windows systems to spread rapidly across the globe. It targeted thousands of businesses and public institutions, locking down data and demanding Bitcoin payments for recovery. The ransom demand ranged from $300 to $600 to be paid in the cryptocurrency Bitcoin.
2. NotPetya (2017)
Initially appearing as ransomware, NotPetya is a variant of Petya. It has caused irreversible damage to its victims’ systems. Originating in Ukraine, it disrupted supply chains and cost global companies billions.
3. AIDS Trojan (2021)
One of the earliest ransomware cases was the AIDS Trojan, created by evolutionary biologist Dr. Joseph Popp. Disguised as an “AIDS Information Introductory Diskette,” it replaced the AUTOEXEC.BAT file to track computer boot-ups. After 90 boots, it hid directories, encrypted file names, and rendered systems unusable. Victims were instructed to send $189 to a Panama P.O. box for a “license renewal,” though the decryption key was embedded in the Trojan’s code.
4. Western Digital Data Breach (2023)
This breach demonstrated how attackers are increasingly targeting companies with massive data repositories. The compromise highlighted vulnerabilities in cloud storage and recovery processes, a critical concern for IT services.
5. Cerber
Cerber is a sophisticated ransomware distributed as Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS). It primarily targets Office 365 users through phishing emails with infected Microsoft Office attachments. Once opened, the ransomware silently encrypts files without alerting the user.
6. MOVEit Transfer Exploit (2023)
Clop exploited a zero-day vulnerability in MOVEit Transfer, a popular file transfer tool, to exfiltrate sensitive data via SQL injection. The group launched coordinated attacks on hundreds of organizations before deploying ransomware. Over 255 organizations and 18 million users were affected, exposing the risks of outdated software and underscoring the need for prompt patching and advanced threat detection.
7. Akira Ransomware Campaign (2023)
Akira emerged as a prominent threat to small and mid-sized businesses. By early 2024, Akira had impacted more than 250 organizations, amassing over $42 million. The campaign exposed glaring cybersecurity gaps within SMBs.
8. BlackCat / ALPHV Ransomware (2023)
Written in Rust, BlackCat (aka ALPHV) is a Ransomware-as-a-Service operation known for its customizable encryption and cross-platform capabilities.
Impact: It hit sectors like education and tech, emphasizing how the RaaS model has lowered entry barriers for launching sophisticated ransomware campaigns.
9. MedusaLocker Returns (2023)
MedusaLocker resurfaced by targeting healthcare organizations through unsecured RDP ports. The ransomware encrypted vital systems, severely disrupting patient care. The attacks demonstrated the critical need for securing healthcare infrastructure against ransomware.
10. Play Ransomware (2023)
In a February 2023 attack, Play ransomware hit Oakland’s municipal systems using double extortion. Essential services, including 911, were temporarily shut down. This incident revealed serious vulnerabilities in public sector cybersecurity.
11. ESXiArgs (2023)
This widespread campaign targeted unpatched VMware ESXi servers, encrypting virtual machines and disrupting virtualized infrastructures. Over 3,800 servers globally were compromised, illustrating the urgency of patching mission-critical systems.
12. LockBit 3.0 (2023)
LockBit 3.0 introduced a new extortion layer, DDoS attacks, on top of encryption and data leaks to coerce victims. Major industries, including finance and manufacturing, experienced massive disruptions.
13. BlackSuit (Formerly Royal) Ransomware (2024)
Rebranded from Royal, BlackSuit deployed attacks through phishing and RDP exploits, using partial encryption and data exfiltration for double extortion. Ransom demands ranged from $1M to $10M, impacting organizations across various sectors.
14. Black Basta Ransomware (2022–2023)
First observed in late 2022, Black Basta rapidly spread across industries, including automotive and real estate, employing double extortion. Victims faced legal and operational fallout, showing how ransomware can cripple even highly structured organizations.
15. DeadBolt (2023)
Targeting individual and small business NAS users, DeadBolt encrypted QNAP devices and demanded Bitcoin for file recovery. The attack spotlighted the vulnerability of IoT and consumer-grade storage devices lacking enterprise-level protections.
16. Vice Society (2023)
Vice Society focused on schools and universities with under-resourced cybersecurity, using double extortion to leak sensitive student and faculty data. Numerous academic institutions experienced data breaches and learning disruptions, emphasizing the need for stronger defenses in education.
17. Lorenz Ransomware (2023)
Lorenz executed highly targeted attacks on medium-to-large enterprises using double extortion. Its custom-tailored intrusions were difficult to detect. Victims across multiple industries suffered severe data and financial losses.
18. Cuba Ransomware Group (2022)
Leveraging unpatched ProxyShell and ProxyLogon flaws, the Cuba group launched extensive double extortion campaigns using tools like Mimikatz. Over 100 entities were targeted with total ransom demands exceeding $145 million.
19. RansomEXX / Defray777 Rebrand (2023)
Defray777, rebranded from RansomEXX, renewed its focus on high-value targets in government and enterprise sectors. The group’s continued activity led to major data breaches, emphasizing the adaptability and persistence of threat actors.
20. Phobos Ransomware Targeting SMBs (2023)
Phobos continued exploiting RDP vulnerabilities to breach small and mid-sized businesses, encrypting files and demanding ransoms. Many victims lacked backups or response capabilities, making recovery slow and expensive.
21. Zeppelin Ransomware (2023)
A Vega ransomware variant, Zeppelin, used phishing and malvertising to infiltrate the IT, healthcare, and education sectors with double extortion tactics. Victims faced significant operational downtime and sensitive data leaks, underlining ransomware’s growing sophistication.
22. Noberus (DarkCat) (2023)
Also known as DarkCat, this ransomware used cloud storage for data exfiltration, focusing on large, high-revenue companies. Victims faced massive financial losses and struggled to contain data leaks, illustrating the complexity of cloud-focused ransomware strategies.
The Role of Social Engineering in Ransomware Attacks
Social engineering remains a cornerstone of ransomware distribution. Cybercriminals exploit human psychology to trick individuals into granting access to systems.
Common social engineering tactics include:
- Phishing Emails
- Impersonation
- Urgency Tactics
Exploring the Anatomy of a Ransomware Attack
A ransomware attack typically unfolds in five stages:
- Initial Access
- Payload Deployment
- Lateral Movement
- Exfiltration
- Ransom Demand
Phishing Emails and Their Role in Ransomware Propagation
Phishing emails play a significant role in the propagation of ransomware, serving as one of the most effective and widely used delivery methods.
These emails are designed to exploit human trust and curiosity, making them a favored tactic among cybercriminals.
Protecting against phishing requires a multi-layered approach. Organizations must invest in educating employees about recognizing suspicious emails and implementing security protocols. Advanced tools, such as spam filters and email scanning software, can help detect and block malicious communications. Additionally, solutions like CyberShield IT’s Cloud Shield can provide robust email security and anomaly detection to further safeguard business communications.
Conclusion
Ransomware attacks demonstrate the ever-changing tactics of cybercriminals. Understanding their anatomy, evolution, and the role of social engineering can help businesses develop a robust defense strategy.
By partnering with CyberShield IT‘, companies can access tailored IT support and services. Investing in these solutions ensures resilience against ransomware and other cyber threats.
