FlagThis

Ransomware attacks reached a record high in December 2024, with 574 incidents reported, according to an NCC Group report. A newly identified group called FunkSec, which combines hacktivism and cybercrime, was responsible for over 100 of these attacks, making them the most active group for the month. This represents a significant surge in cybercrime with the industrial sector being targeted most often. It is believed that poor security measures, a lack of awareness and the use of evolving technologies such as Generative AI are partially responsible for this growth in attacks, along with the use of infostealer malware for gaining initial access to networks.

Other organizations have also fallen victim to ransomware attacks. The New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBC), one of the largest non-profit blood donation organizations, had its IT systems crippled by a ransomware attack. This has caused major disruptions and risks to supplies that are sent to over 400 hospitals. Additionally, British engineering firm Smiths Group is working to restore its systems after suffering a cyberattack that caused unauthorized access, and Indian tech giant Tata Technologies had to temporarily suspend some of its IT services after being targeted by ransomware.

ImgSrc: securityboulevard.com

References:

• Security Boulevard - Ransomware Threats, Led by FunkSec, Rise to New Heights - 24d
• securityboulevard.com - Ransomware Scum — Out For Blood: NYBCe is Latest Victim - 22d
• gbhackers.com - New York Blood Center Targeted by Ransomware, IT Operations Impacted - 22d
• www.the420.in - Details about the incident and Tata Technologies' response. - 22d

Classification:

• HashTags: Ransomware FunkSec CyberAttacks
• Attacker: FunkSec
• Feature: Ransomware Attacks
• Type: Ransomware
• Severity: Disaster