Security News > 2024 > February > New kids on the ransomware block in 2023: Akira and 8Base lead dozens of newbies
At least 25 new ransomware gangs emerged in 2023, with Akira and 8Base proving the most "Successful," research reveals.
The gangs were the two "Success" stories of the year for cybercrooks, proving that the lure of big ransom payouts is still enough to attract significant interest from fledgling ransomware operations, despite the challenges that remain for newcomers.
Get your hankies ready - some gangs didn't make it.... The difficulties facing ransomware groups may explain why so many failed to survive last year.
According to BlackFog's analysis [PDF] of January 2024's ransomware incidents, Akira laid claim to roughly 12 percent of them, making it the second-most active group of the year so far.
It started the year strongly, consistently registering more attacks than Akira, and although the latter eventually overtook 8Base by the end of the year, Unit 42's figures showed very little difference in the final numbers, suggesting it was just as effective as Akira.
The two gangs were the standout "Performers" of the 25 new operations last year and, while it wasn't included in Unit42's list, the Russian-language WereWolves group which rapidly rose to prominence towards the very end of the year looks as though it will continue to make a mark this year.