Turning Tides
Navigating the Evolving World of Cybercrime

Crimeware Trends and Highlights

This report highlights the trends and shifts in the cyber threat landscape observed by Arete in the first half of 2023. Leveraging data collected during incident response engagements, we can see the rise and fall of ransomware variants, notable trends in ransom demands and payments, industries targeted by ransomware attacks, and what may be coming next. 

Overview

First Half of 2023 (H1 2023) Highlights from Arete’s Incident Response Engagements

• Mainstay actors prevail, and new players arrive on the scene
• The percentage of incidents where a ransom is paid falls

Opening the Floodgates: Lower Barrier of Entry into Cybercrime

• Cybercrime-as-a-Service on the rise
• Leaked source code skyrockets accessibility
• Artificial Intelligence changes the game

Other Notable Trends

• Cascading effects of the Russia-Ukraine War continue
• Global law enforcement targets cyber criminals