Cybersecurity investigators worry ransomware attacks may worsen as young, Western hackers work with Russians
CBS News
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Contributed by: Drex DeFord
Summary
In the past year, prominent institutions including hospitals, tech companies, and major Las Vegas resorts suffered from ransomware attacks, where critical data is encrypted by hackers and held for ransom. The September attack on MGM Resorts cost over $100 million, highlighting the growing threat posed by the cybercrime group "Scattered Spider," a collective of young hackers from the U.S., U.K., and Canada. They have allied with Russia’s notorious BlackCat hackers, combining social engineering and sophisticated malware attacks. The rise of these cybercriminals, often younger than 25, challenges security with their adept manipulation of Western cultural norms and online spaces, driving a surge in ransomware incidents.
