ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts a victim's data and demands payment for its decryption. It operates as a criminal enterprise, targeting individuals and organizations to extort money.

Why it’s in the news: It is in the news due to a record number of attacks in Q3 2026 and high-profile arrests within the ransomware ecosystem.

Latest on ransomware

• FBI Arrests Founder of Ransomware Negotiation Firm
• Ransomware consultant said he would decrypt data, is accused of paying ransoms instead
• Q3 2026 Sets New Record for Ransomware Attacks
• Fake Decryption Tools Masked $11M Markup in Ransomware Recovery Scheme
• Cheapskates wouldn't pay for security help, got hit by ransomware, and went bust months later
• Ransomware fixer claimed he could decrypt files, allegedly defrauded clients instead
• Hackers are utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance their ransomware campaigns, making defense more difficult for targeted organizations.
• rising cyber threats from artificial intelligence, geopolitical tensions, ransomware, and digital transformation
• The breach involved novel ransomware and occurred at a strategically significant time, with attackers employing methods designed to obscure their attribution.
• A preliminary investigation confirmed the attack was ransomware-based, though the full extent of the breach remains under review
• Kee Wah Bakery in Hong Kong disclosed a ransomware attack on its internal network that occurred on Friday
• AI tools becoming hot commodities on ransomware marketplaces

Connections

19 entities linked to ransomware across the news graph.