Ransomware has now become a problem for everyone, not just technology.

It’s a new year where many people want to turn over a new leaf and make some positive changes.

Unfortunately, not everyone.

In particular, ransomware criminals seem to show no sign of letting up on their criminal activities in 2023.

Then again, why would they?

Ransomware has been one of the top cybersecurity issues of the past year — and many years past, too — as cybercriminals use file-encrypting malware against a variety of victims, including universities, schools, hospitals, and more.

The goal of ransomware attacks is simple; Make money by asking for ransom to unlock (possibly) encrypted systems.

These ransom demands can be in the millions of dollars. But when national governments, law enforcement agencies and cyber security companies warn that victims should never pay the ransom, many do, as it only encourages more attacks. Or because they feel helpless or because they think it’s the fastest way to get their encrypted files. Scammers cannot be trusted to keep their word.

as well – Ransomware: Why it’s still a big threat, and where the criminals are going next.

Not every ransomware victim asks for the ransom, instead choosing to painstakingly restore their network from scratch, which can take weeks or even months – but a large number of victims pay, which is why ransomware remains a major cyber security threat – because it works and makes criminals money.

But ransomware isn’t some abstract threat if its impact is limited to technology or the victim organization and its employees — it often affects the general public as well.

Just last week, the UK’s Royal Mail was hit with what many outlets saw as Lockbit ransomware. Meanwhile, The Guardian recently revealed that a cyber attack late last month was ransomware.

Also: The true cost of ransomware is much higher than we know.

Both ransomware attacks are examples of how people are affecting the services they use and rely on every day.

Ransomware attacks are certainly a difficult problem to tackle – global in nature, criminals are often hidden in regions beyond the reach of law enforcement and demand a lot of hard-to-trace cryptocurrency for payment. But hoping they’ll just go away won’t do – it’s time to act. Law enforcement agencies have had some success against gangs, but more is needed.

This issue is much bigger than technology and needs to be addressed, especially when hackers are willing to threaten the key services and institutions we rely on.

Znet Monday opening

ZDNet’s Monday Opener is our weekly opener on technology, written by members of our editorial team.

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