Ransomware Crooks Are Busier Than Ever — But Making Less Money, Researchers Say
According to a Chainalysis report, ransomware attacks increased by 50% in 2025, with nearly 8,000 incidents recorded. However, total ransom payments fell by 8% to $820 million. This decline is attributed to stricter regulations, improved law enforcement, and more companies refusing to pay. Attackers have shifted focus to small and medium-sized businesses, which pay faster but yield smaller sums. The cost of launching attacks has also decreased significantly, with access to victim systems on the dark web dropping from $1,427 in 2023 to $439 in early 2026. Despite the drop in ransomware revenue, broader crypto crime remains significant, with $370 million stolen in January 2026 alone, mostly through phishing attacks.
bitcoinist02/27 18:01
