Cyber criminals have developed new ransomware techniques to
improve the efficiency and profitability of their attacks. These
include targeting large and high-value entities such as governments
and the health care sector (also known as "big game
hunting"), and the selling of user-friendly ransomware
software kits (also known as ransomware as a service). This has led
to a significant increase in ransomware payments globally, although
these attacks remain underreported in some jurisdictions.
Ransomware is a type of malicious software
("malware") that is used by criminals to
deny users access to data, systems or networks while demanding to
be paid a ransom in exchange. In addition to the threats relating
to the disrupted systems, criminals often threaten to publish the
victim's data if the ransom is not paid ("double
extortion").
