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It started like a domino effect. One by one, the biggest names in ransomware began to vanish in Q2. From LockBit, once considered the most active and resilient ransomware gang, its empire began to unravel under the pressure of global law enforcement.
Then, almost in sequence, other major players, 8Base, RansomHub, and BianLian shut down or disappeared without a word. By May, someone had hacked LockBit itself and leaked internal data, effectively sounding the death knell for the group. For the first time in a long time, it felt like law enforcement had the upper hand.
Behind the scenes, coordinated takedowns were underway. International task forces tracked infrastructure, unmasked key members, and filed indictments. The message was clear: you’re not untouchable.
The results showed up in the data. Public victim listings on dark web leak sites dropped to 1,607 in Q2, down from 2,289 the quarter before. That’s a nearly 30% drop, the lowest ransomware has been in over a year, according to reports from Checkpoint Research.
But if you’re thinking the threat is gone, think again. Things may have gone quiet, but that doesn’t mean the threat has packed up and left. It feels like a pause.
The growing threat of ransomware attacks — and how to tackle it
From individuals to organizations, the targets of ransomware attacks are diverse and widespread.
A Fractured Ecosystem
With the big players gone, the ransomware world hasn’t stopped; it’s splintered.
Now, smaller, more agile groups are running the show. Some operate for just a few weeks, carry out a single campaign, then vanish. Others, like DragonForce or Safepay, are staying quiet, watching how things shake out before they make a move. They’re also recruiting freelancers from disbanded groups, like a post-layoff hiring spree in the shadows.
And the game itself is changing. Forget fake attacks and inflated numbers. Today’s attackers want real leverage, fewer risks, and more psychological pressure. That’s where AI is creeping in. Some new kits, like those from Global Group, advertise “AI-powered negotiation tools,” promising smarter, more targeted extortion strategies.
At the same time, fewer victims are paying ransoms. That’s a huge shift. Only about 25% of organisations are giving in, thanks to better backups, legal clarity, and a growing understanding that paying doesn’t guarantee safety. When the money dries up, so does the incentive.
Old Targets, New Tactics
The map hasn’t changed much. The US still reports the most victims, followed by Germany, Italy, and Brazil. But group preferences remain oddly specific: Akira keeps hitting Italian businesses. Safepay likes Germany. Satanlock is targeting Brazil. Wherever there’s money and poor cyber hygiene, attackers follow.
As per Checkpoint Research, sectors like healthcare are still under siege. INC Ransomware alone accounted for nearly 17% of all healthcare-related attacks in Q2. Sensitive data, urgency, and weak defences make hospitals easy targets.
But the tactics are evolving. It’s no longer about stealing files and running. Now, it’s about making you sweat. What will they leak? Who will see it? And how long will you survive the fallout?
The Bigger Picture
Q2 wasn’t the end of ransomware; it was a shift in momentum. Law enforcement proved that even the biggest gangs can be taken down. But in doing so, they triggered a reset. The landscape is now more fragmented, unpredictable, and adaptive.
Fewer attacks don’t mean less danger. It just means the next phase is already taking shape.
CHART: Ransomware Payments Reached Its Highest-Ever Record in 2023
From hospitals to government agencies, the targets were diverse and widespread, leaving a trail of disruption and financial loss in their wake.
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