Ransomware damage costs are predicted to exceed $265 billion by 2031, and it is expected to be the fastest growing type of cybercrime, affecting a business, consumer, or device every 2 seconds by that year, according to Cybersecurity Ventures.
A report from Cybersecurity Ventures predicted that ransomware damages would increase rapidly. In 2015, damages were $325 million, but by 2017 they were estimated to be $5 billion, a 15X increase in just two years. The damages for 2018 were predicted to reach $8 billion, and by 2021, it was estimated to be $20 billion, which is 57X more than in 2015.
There’s not a glimmer of empathy in today’s ransomware operators. Ransomware is expected to cost victims approximately $265 billion (USD) per year by 2031, according to Cybersecurity Ventures. They predict that ransomware attacks, targeting both consumers and businesses, will occur at a rate of one every 2 seconds as the perpetrators improve their malware and extortion techniques. This estimate is based on a 30 percent increase in damage costs each year for a decade.
Cyber attackers can target hospitals and Fortune 500 organizations. They focus on gaining access to networks, encrypting them, and stealing sensitive data for blackmail.
Criminal organizations can operate like regular businesses due to the low risk of prosecution. The cost estimates for damage may be low, but insurers are quickly changing how they deal with ransomware due to the high financial impact.
In recent years, ransomware has spread from its origins in malicious downloads on pirate and adult content sites. Ransomware is now a popular tool for hackers around the world who aim to disrupt services, extort businesses, or steal valuable information for government sponsors.
Ransomware is becoming more dangerous. Instead of just encrypting data, attackers are now also stealing information and threatening to publish it online unless a ransom is paid. Backups are no longer enough to protect against these attacks.
HardBit ransomware operators are using a concerning method during negotiations. They are persuading victims to disclose their cyber insurance details to determine the ransom amount. This tactic is impacting the insurance market. Ransomware attacks are becoming more common, with multiple hackers targeting the same victims. Click here to read full report.