The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received 3,729 complaints identified as ransomware in 2021, up 82% from just two years prior and accelerating. According to the Department of Treasury, the top 10 ransomware gangs raked in at least $5.2 billion dollars in extortion payments. Ransomware’s growth and sheer scale captured the attention of leaders in policy and business, but we must keep our eye on how its operators might adapt and evolve to protect their profits.
