Ransomware attacks grew by 415% in 2017 over the year before, but they slowed down in the last quarter, according to The Changing State Of Ransomware, a study by F-Secure. In comparison, ransomware
grew by 819% in 2016.
The WannaCry cryptoworm: it accounted for 90% of the ransomware attacks in 2017, the study states.
But use of other attack mechanisms declined in the
second half -- and “looks like the ransomware gold rush mentality is over,” states Sean Sullivan, security advisor for F-Secure.
Asia appears to be the source of most attacks,
although some activity has been reported in Connecticut and North Carolina.
Malaysia contributed 18%, Japan 15%, Colombia 14%, Vietnam 11%, and India 10%, Indonesia 10% and Taiwan and Brazil
7% apiece. Another 8% was classified as “other.”
F-Secure notes that the techniques have changed.
“Ransomware campaigns have historically been opportunistic in
nature, infecting anyone they can via spam emails, exploit kits and malvertising,” the report states. “But many cyber criminals are becoming more selective in their targets, and tailor
their techniques to infect businesses has made it a significant threat to both individuals
According to the study, 343 unique families and ransomware variants were found in 2017, an increase
of 62% over the prior year.