A Significant Drop In Revenues Of Bitcoin Extortionists Was Reported

Ransomware revenues have fallen 40% to $456.8 million in 2022, although this does not mean the total number of attacks has fallen. That's according to a recent Chainalysis report.

For 2021, hackers received a record $766 million in ransom payments for decrypting data.

In 48.3% of cases last year, extortionists withdrew funds through centralised exchanges - up from 39.3% in 2021.

Meanwhile, the use of mixers increased from 11.6% to 15% in 2022.

At the same time, ransomware transactions on high-risk cryptocurrency exchanges fell from 10.9% to 6.7%.

Chainalysis notes that many companies have forced tighter cybersecurity measures, resorted to risk insurance and become less willing to accept ransom payments.

The development of blockchain analytics tools that allow for near-instant tracing of illicit transactions has also played to the wrongdoers' advantage.

Analysts pointed out that one of the reasons for the drop in ransomware operators' revenues may have been the active countering of this type of threat by OFAC.

Simultaneously with the drop in hacker revenue, Fortinet recorded a spike in the number of unique ransomware strains. And many of the malware variants are developed by the same criminals.

Chainalysis highlighted that the real ransomware revenue figures are likely much higher, as not every cryptocurrency address controlled by attackers is identified.

Rate the article

Previous postAnalysts Think Bitcoin Might Have Entered Its Next Bull Market Cycle
Next postFormer SEC Official Backs Agency's Approach To Industry Regulation

If you have a question, leave your contact, and we will get back to you

banner image
banner image
banner image

Share


Simplify Your Crypto Journey

Want to store, send, accept, stake, or trade cryptocurrencies? With Cryptomus it's all possible — sign up and manage your cryptocurrency funds with our handy tools.

banner image
banner image
banner image

Share

comments

0

Cookies and fingerprint settings

We use cookies and browser fingerprint to personalize content and advertising, provide social media features, and analyze our traffic. We also share information about your use of our website with our social media, advertising, and analytics partners, who may combine it with other information. By continuing to use the site, you consent to the use of cookies and browser fingerprint.

We use cookies and browser fingerprint to personalize content and advertising, provide social media features, and analyze our traffic. We also share information about your use of our website with our social media, advertising, and analytics partners, who may combine it with other information. By continuing to use the site, you consent to the use of cookies and browser fingerprint.