What are the most common ransom amount requested by ransomware attackers?
The average ransom demanded by ransomware attackers in 2019 was $84,116, up from $12,762 in 2018, according to a report from Coveware, a ransomware negotiation and decryption service. The increase was largely driven by two notorious ransomware families, Sodinokibi and Ryuk, which leveraged their large networks of affiliates to target more high-value organizations.
Sodinokibi, also known as REvil, was responsible for the highest average ransom demand in 2019, at $111111. This is up from an average of $63888 in 2018. Sodinokibi typically targets larger organizations and has been known to exfiltrate data before encrypting a victim’s systems, increasing the pressure on victims to pay the ransom.
Ryuk, on the other hand, was responsible for the second highest average ransom demand in 2019, at $64646. This is up from an average of $10000 in 2018. Ryuk is a ransomware strain that is often used in targeted attacks against high-value organizations. It is often deployed after an initial infection with another form of malware, such as Emotet or Trickbot, which gives the attackers a foothold on the network.
The third most common ransom amount requested by ransomware attackers in 2019 was $48000, followed by $20000 and $19200. The median ransom demand was $20000, up from $10000 in 2018.
While the average ransom demand has increased significantly in recent years, it is important to note that not all victims end up paying the ransom. In some cases, victims are able to restore their systems from backups or use a ransomware removal tool to decrypt their files. In other cases, the attackers may not be able to decrypt the files even if the ransom is paid, or the victim may decide not to pay the ransom for ethical or financial reasons.
What is a ransomware attack?
Ransomware attacks are on the rise. Cyber criminals are using this type of malware to encrypt files on your computer, making them unreadable unless you pay a ransom. Ransomware is typically spread through phishing emails or malicious downloads. Once your computer is infected, the ransomware will encrypt files with a strong cipher. In order to decrypt the files, you need a key that only the attacker has. The attacker will then demand a ransom, usually in the form of Bitcoin, to decrypt the files.
Ransomware attacks can be costly and devastating. They can result in the loss of important files or even cause your entire system to crash. In some cases, victims have paid the ransom but still haven’t regained access to their files. It’s important to note that paying the ransom does not guarantee that you will get your files back. In fact, it may only encourage the attacker to target more victims.
There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from ransomware attacks. First, make sure you have a reliable backup system in place. This way, even if your files are encrypted, you can restore them from your backup. Second, be cautious about the emails you open and the links you click. Don’t open email attachments from unknown senders and be wary of links in emails, even from people you know. Finally, keep your security software up to date. Antivirus and anti-malware software can detect and remove many types of ransomware.
If you do find yourself the victim of a ransomware attack, the first thing you should do is disconnect your computer from the Internet to prevent the attacker from encrypting more files. Then, consult with a professional to see if there is anything you can do to decrypt your files. In many cases, however, the only option is to restore your files from a backup.
We used malwarezero.org to write this article about ransomware. Click here to learn more.