Modern ransomware groups no longer just encrypt data — they steal it first and threaten to publish it, creating a double extortion scenario that puts immense pressure on victims to pay.
The Evolution of Ransomware
Groups like LockBit, BlackCat, and Cl0p have industrialized ransomware operations with affiliate programs, dedicated leak sites, and customer service portals. Total ransomware payments exceeded $1.5 billion in 2025.
The MOVEit Massacre
The Cl0p group’s exploitation of the MOVEit Transfer vulnerability affected over 2,500 organizations and exposed data of 90+ million individuals, making it one of the largest breach events in history.
