The Evolution of Ransomware: From Simple Encryption to Sophisticated Extortion Tactics
Ransomware attacks are no longer just the stuff of occasional headlines or isolated incidents — they’ve become a full-fledged industry. If you’ve been following cybersecurity news, you’ve likely heard about ransomware as one of the most significant threats facing businesses and governments today. But just how much have these attacks evolved, and what makes them so difficult to defend against? The answer lies in how ransomware has grown more sophisticated, transitioning from simple file encryption to complex double extortion attacks, combining data theft with the threat of leaking sensitive information.
The 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) delves deep into this evolution, offering a clear picture of how these attacks have changed over time and why they’re so difficult to stop. In this article, we’ll explore the rise of ransomware, its evolving tactics, and the impact on organizations and individuals alike. So, buckle up — this isn’t just your average ransomware 101.
