Ransomware dominates the threat landscape
Ransomware continues to grow as a prevalent threat . The number of new ransomware families we saw in the first half of 2016 alone has already eclipsed the total 2015 volume by 172%. With ransomware attacks becoming more and more sophisticated and prevalent, we believe that the threat will potentially cause more damage going into the second half of the year.
Monthly number of Ransomware families added
New ransomware families we detected exhibited both new propagation and extortion techniques. JIGSAW deletes encrypted files whenever victims fail to pay the ransom on the given deadline. Similarly, SURPRISE increases the ransom every time victims miss a deadline.
Our findings also revealed how some ransomware families were designed to target specific business-related files. SURPRISE and POWERWARE, for example, encrypt tax return files.
Organizations can lessen the risk of ransomware infections through virtual patching, and investing in multilayered security solutions and tools that leverage file, web, and email reputation. They should also educate their employees about the threat as well as the proper handling of suspicious emails and documents.