Cryptocurrencies are known for their ability to break through jurisdictional borders nearly instantly. But while legitimate users benefit from this, so do criminals. Given this fact, the challenge for regulators is also rising.
Dubbed Ryuk, there are suggestions the ransomware attacks could be linked to a North Korean hacker group known to rely on BTC ransom payments.
Hackers in Iran are preparing new ransomware designed to extort BTC coins as the United States prepares to re-introduce sanctions against the country, according to cybersecurity experts.
The SamSam ransomware was able to grab $6 million worth of BTC from a total of 233 victims since 2015, according to a Sophos report.
According to a report by Skybox Security, illicit cryptocurrency mining, or ‘cryptojacking’ as it is more popularly known, has become far more popular with cybercriminals than ransomware.
A post drafted by Microsoft’s Windows Defender Research security unit highlighted a number of ways criminals are currently leveraging cryptocurrencies for nefarious ends.
