Ransomware attacks in the United States | 590 million in the first half

According to the US government, this figure is 42% higher than the amount reported for the whole of 2020, which explains the acceleration of this type of attack in recent months. This represents 60% of the total in the previous ten years between 2011 and 2020.

There is strong reason to believe that the real cost will reach billions of dollars.

These data, related to 635 separate reports, were compiled by the Financial Network Network (FinCEN), which reports to the Treasury Department. He notes that they are not necessary with the redemption amount paid in the first six months of 2021, some of which may be outdated.

According to Finsen, the total recovery in the first half of the year was divided into 458 different activities and amounted to $ 398 million.

A ransomware attack involves hackers entering a company’s computer network and then locking up data. The authors then ask those in charge of that company, organization or management to pay a ransom, often in the form of cryptocurrencies, in lieu of opening.

According to the Treasury Department, investigators uncovered more than 150 online cryptocurrency wallets and analyzed potential $ 5.2 billion worth of transactions related to ransomware payments.

Businesses and companies face considerable pressure not only to open their data but also to ensure that it does not hit the ears of customers or executives.

The United States is on the offensive

Several ransomware attacks have made headlines in recent months, targeting the American computer company Casey in July. By attacking this company, hackers gained access to more than a thousand companies providing services around the world.

In early May, the U.S. company targeted the Colonial Pipeline and disrupted fuel supplies in the United States. This provoked a strong reaction from the authorities and the ransom of $ 4.4 million paid was recovered.

Mobile hit a factory in Mangado, Minnesota, Alabama, in September, attacking businesses of all industries and sizes.

In countries most affected by this type of cyber attack, the United States has decided to launch an attack.

In late September, the U.S. Treasury for the first time seized the assets of a cryptocurrency platform (SUEX) suspected of being used by hackers in ransomware attacks.

The site is affiliated with Russians and, according to many analysts, is considered one of the largest hacker communities in Russia, along with China, using ransomware.

On Friday, the Treasury Department released a practical guide to cryptocurrency players.

“The treasury is helping to stop ransomware attacks by making it harder for criminals to profit from these actions, but we need partners in the private sector to prevent these illegal activities,” the deputy secretary general of government said. Wally Ademio was quoted in a statement released Friday.

Washington this week, Wednesday and Thursday, invited delegates from 31 countries to a meeting dedicated to the subject. At the end of the meeting, the delegates “recognized” the importance of international cooperation in this area, particularly by sharing information on suspicious activities or questionable financial transactions.

Biden management is trying to better integrate the response to the growing number of ransomware attacks in recent months.

In addition, a bill currently being discussed in Congress aims to force companies targeted by ransomware attacks to pay the ransom within 48 hours. The policy of the text is supported by the US government.