Overview

• Ransomware hackers extorted a record $1 billion in 2023, marking a significant increase from previous years.
• The MOVEit vulnerability, exploited by the CL0P Ransomware Gang, was among the largest attacks, affecting major institutions like Sony and the BBC.
• Russia-based groups have been blamed for the resurgence in attacks, shifting focus from politically motivated actions in Ukraine to financial extortion.
• The use of zero-day exploits has contributed to the rise in ransomware revenues, with high-value targets increasingly becoming the focus.
• Chainalysis reports a worrying trend of increasing ransomware activity, with payments expected to rise further.