Healthcare companies and those involved in the manufacturing and automobile sector should better double their guard against double extortion ransomware threats which according to Checkpoint are on the rise.
Technically speaking, a double extortion ransomware threat is traditionally a malware threat where hackers are seen locking down access to data until a ransom is paid. But in cases of double extortion, an extra amount of pressure is mounted on to the victims, by stealing a portion of data and then releasing it on the dark web for sale to put extra pressure on the victim that if they fail to bow down to the demands then their information will be sold on dark web inviting more trouble to the targets in near future.
“Double extortion is a growing ransomware attack trend which is being seen in recent times”, says Lotem Finkelstein, the Intelligence Manager, Check Point. He added that the healthcare sector which is struggling to fight the spread of the Coronavirus is most vulnerable to such threats.
Mr. Finkelsteen added that hospitals and those involved in offering COVID 19 testing and research have been informed about the lurking threat and have been advised to back up their data and educate their staff on the current cyber landscape.
All these days, the cybercriminals were seen demanding just 50-100 BTC. But now with an assurance of pay in double extortion, the hackers are seen demanding huge amounts such as 300 Bitcoins or $2.3 million from victims.
