Ransomware Groups Weaponize Stolen Data to Increase Pressure on Targets Who Refuse to Pay, Sophos Report Finds

Sophos, a global leader of innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, recently released a new dark web report, “Turning the Screws: The Pressure Tactics of Ransomware Gangs,” which details how cybercriminals are weaponizing stolen data to increase pressure on targets who refuse to pay. This includes sharing the contact details or doxing the family members of targeted CEOs and business owners, as well as threatening to report any information about illegal business activities uncovered in stolen data to the authorities. 

In the report, Sophos X-Ops shares posts found on the dark web that show how ransomware gangs refer to their targets as “irresponsible and negligent,” and in some cases, encourage individual victims whose personal information was stolen to pursue litigation against their employer.

Ransomware Attacks in the Philippines surge by almost 60% in 2022, New Report from Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 Finds

The report reveals insights into the latest tactics of ransomware gangs; financial, geographical, and industry impacts based on data gathered from Unit 42 investigations.

Palo Alto Networks found that ransomware and extortion cases in the Philippines increased by 57.4% in 2022 with 11 reported cases across key sectors. Threat actors are utilizing more aggressive tactics to pressure organizations, with harassment being involved 20 times more often than in 2021, according to Unit 42™ incident response cases.