Paying LockBit Ransom Increases Media Exposure For Attackers, Study Finds
CUInfoSecurity
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Contributed by: Drex DeFord
Summary
An analysis presented by Max Smeets at Black Hat Europe reveals that paying LockBit ransomware attackers can backfire by drawing more media attention, contrary to the hackers' assurances of confidentiality. Based on data from Britain's National Crime Agency, the study found that victims who paid ransoms received more media coverage than those who did not, illustrating a phenomenon similar to the Streisand Effect. This trend underscores a critical implication for healthcare professionals: paying ransoms may signal a loss of control and invite further scrutiny, potentially jeopardizing reputation and operational security. Additionally, the research suggests recent law enforcement crackdowns have led to a decline in LockBit's activities, indicating a shift in the ransomware landscape that healthcare organizations must navigate.
