Companies facing ransomware are under pressure. If they do not pay, their systems may become unusable or sensitive data may be published online. This can have serious consequences for society, especially for targets like ministries and hospitals.
Successful Operations
It is crucial to protect companies against ransomware. In 2023, the Public Prosecution Service, the police, the National Cyber Security Centre, and other parties signed the Melissa covenant. This project focuses on collaboration to combat ransomware attacks. They share information and discuss current developments. The goal is to make the Netherlands less attractive to criminals. This collaboration has already led to successful operations where victims regained their encrypted data.
Internationally, law enforcement agencies work together. During Operation Endgame, multiple botnets were dismantled in 2024 worldwide, playing a key role in cybercrime. Assets worth 7 million euros in cryptocurrency were seized, disrupting the supply of cybercrime victims.
Thanks to collaboration, cybercrime leaders have faced sanctions. Their assets in the EU have been frozen, and they are banned from entering the EU. These measures aim to create deterrence and combat cybercrime.
Reporting
Filing a report is essential in the fight against ransomware. The technical data from reports are valuable for the police to unlock systems and find suspects. In various cases, reports have led to arrests.
There is no magic solution to stop ransomware, but Meurs research shows that a combination of interventions is effective. This includes sanctions, providing decryptors, arrests, and shutting down servers that publish sensitive information.
It remains a challenge to determine which interventions are effective. Through collaboration and a strategic approach, measures can be better coordinated.
Vulnerable
Companies with more than 250 employees have a 1.3% annual chance of being affected. Smaller companies report fewer incidents, partly due to low willingness to report. Many SMEs are vulnerable. The police are looking into ways to inform SMEs about risks and the importance of reporting.