Ransomware Surge: AvosLocker Targets Essential US Sectors Amidst Global Increase
In a combined security advisory, the Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI indicated that AvosLocker has been targeting multiple vital sectors in the US, with instances noted as recent as May. The group employs a diverse range of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), such as double extortion and utilizing trusted native and open-source software.
This advisory comes amid a rising trend of ransomware attacks across various sectors. A report by the cyber-insurance company, Corvus, disclosed a nearly 80% surge in such attacks compared to the previous year. Furthermore, there was a growth of over 5% in ransomware activity in September alone. Organizations are urged to take immediate preventive steps.
Ryan Bell highlights the pattern of ransomware groups becoming more active after summer. He pointed out the uptick in ransomware attacks in September as an early warning sign and anticipates a rise in attacks in the fourth quarter, based on trends from 2022 and 2021.
