Experts warn of a disturbing trend where ransomware attackers have begun shifting their focus from businesses to individuals. Using personal threats and psychological pressure, they aim to extort individuals, particularly C-level executives or those in legal occupations. For example, a recent incident involved a threat actor calling an executive's mobile phone, referencing sensitive internal information about the executive and their family. While overall ransomware payouts have declined due to effective law enforcement and improved cybersecurity practices, the tactics of attackers have evolved, making threats more invasive and personal, even without a direct follow-through on these threats.
"Ransomware attacks aren't just about encrypted files; they can become invasive in other ways."
"During the call, they referenced personal information, underscoring just how much data an employer may hold on its employees."
"The success of the attack only requires the victim to believe they could."
"Extremely rare for an attacker actually to act on these physical threats, but the psychological impact is significant."
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