Dragos warns of ransomware surge in industrial sectors, targeting OT networks

TLDR:

• Ransomware attacks in industrial sectors have surged in the second quarter, targeting OT networks.
• Hacker groups have adapted with new tactics, zero-day vulnerabilities, and rebranding.

Industrial cybersecurity firm Dragos reported a significant rise in ransomware attacks in the second quarter, with hacker groups demonstrating adaptability through new strategies and sophisticated methods. Despite law enforcement actions, ransomware groups have shown resilience and continue to evolve their operations. The industrial sector remains a prime target due to the potential impact of disruptions. Ransomware groups have rebranded and adopted advanced tactics like Ransomware-as-a-Service, focusing on high-impact operators to maximize profits.

The rise in ransomware attacks in the second quarter impacted various regions differently, with manufacturing being the most affected sector. Dragos observed a notable increase in incidents and new strategies employed by ransomware groups, highlighting the evolving threat landscape. The interconnected nature of IT and OT systems increases the risk of disruptions, potentially leading ransomware groups to target OT networks to amplify the impact of their attacks.