Ransomware Attacks Increase, With U.S. The Primary Target

Ransomware attacks constituted the greatest cybercrime danger in 2016 as the volume and value of attacks rose sharply, according to a new report from internet security firm Symantec. “Attackers have honed and perfected the ransomware business model, using strong encryption, anonymous Bitcoin payments, and vast spam campaigns to create dangerous and wide-ranging malware,” according to “Internet Security Threat Report (ISTR), April 2017.” The average ransom amount involved in such attacks jumped 266% to $1,077 during 2016 from just $294 in 2015.