- Published
- Source
- CSO Online UK
- Filed under
- Ransomware, UK industry, Attacks
Ransomware attackers are expanding their tactics beyond encrypting corporate systems and threatening to leak stolen data. They are increasingly using AI in attacks, exploiting organizations’ own AI systems and even using physical intimidation by threatening employees and their families to pressure companies into paying ransoms. The Semperis’ 2026 Ransomware Risk Report found that 84% of surveyed ransomware victims experienced attacks involving AI, while 87% reported attacks targeting identity infrastructure. It also highlighted that attackers are exploiting technology and extending pressure…
What defenders check after a story like this
- Backups kept offline or immutable – and a restore you have actually tested.
- Multi-factor authentication on every remote way in, with VPNs and firewalls patched first.
- Alerts for the warning signs: new admin accounts, security tools switched off, mass file changes, large uploads.
More helpNCSC: mitigating malware and ransomware attacks (opens in a new tab)
Defender’s notebook
The attacker technique behind this story, in MITRE’s terms – and what to check in your own estate.
Data Encrypted for Impact
ImpactWhat a defender checks
- Isolate affected hosts from the network to stop the spread.
- Confirm backups are offline and restorable – then test a restore.
- Hunt for what came first: new admin accounts, disabled security tools, remote-access software.
Build the skillBlue Team Engineer · Incident Management & Response Engineering
Exfiltration Over Web Service
ExfiltrationWhat a defender checks
- Watch for large uploads to cloud storage and file-sharing sites.
- Hunt for tools like rclone and unexpected archive files.
- Use DLP on your most sensitive data.
Build the skillBlue Team Specialist · Breach Analysis
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