Kaspersky Lab says hackers refocus to cryptomining from ransomware

MOSCOW, Jun 28 (PRIME) -- Hackers have started using cryptomining more frequently instead of ransomware, Russian antivirus software maker Kaspersky Lab said late on Wednesday in a statement.

“Cryptomining is booming, with more than 2.7 million users attacked in 2017–2018. Ransomware, however, is in serious decline…Our data shows that the number of users attacked by cryptomalware dropped by nearly half, from 1,152,299 in 2016–2017 to 751,606 in 2017–2018,” Kaspersky Lab said.

Ransomware is dramatic and can be frightening for victims, from average home users manipulated by tales of illicit and embarrassing files on their computers to businesses strong-armed into paying larger sums to regain access to critical files.

“Meanwhile, crafty cryptominers have moved up to take ransomware’s place, invading users’ and businesses’ computers and devices and taking advantage of their power to put cryptocurrency in the pockets of thieves. Over the same two-year period, cryptominer encounters rose in total number, from 1.9 million to 2.7 million, as well as in share of threats detected, from 3% to 4%,” the company said.

“Whereas ransomware enters with a flourish and freaks out its victims, cryptominers strive to remain hidden – the longer they toil, the greater the perpetrators’ profit – and as a result, victims may not notice them for a time.”

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