Page 148 - Cyber Defense eMagazine January 2024
P. 148
Ransom-War Escalation: The New Frontline
in Cyber Warfare
By Nissim Ben Saadon, Director of Innovation, CYREBRO
High-profile ransomware attacks against government targets in Costa Rica and Peru last year brought a
new twist to the concept of cyberwar: Ransom-War. With the rise of ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS)
and the relative impotence of government agencies to counter attacks, for-profit ransomware wars
conducted by private or state-sanctioned hacking groups against local and national government targets
are increasing in severity and intensity. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into why this is happening
and discuss possible mitigation options.
The Rise and Fall of Conti
The now-defunct ransomware group known as Conti set the standard for Ransom-War attacks. Prior to
announcing its public support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the group – together with its sister
group REvil – rampaged across the digital world.
Cyber Defense eMagazine – January 2024 Edition 148
Copyright © 2024, Cyber Defense Magazine. All rights reserved worldwide.
