Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 88 | Page 17

NEWS

Big drop in ransomware payments revealed but ‘ highly concentrated ’ core of attackers keeps active

new report reveals a dramatic

A drop in ransomware payments but warns a core group of attackers remains ‘ highly concentrated ’. attackers still received at least US $ 456.8 million , this represents a huge 40.3 % drop from their ransomware earnings in 2021 , which amounted to US $ 765.6 million .

suggesting that the decline in attacker revenues is due to victims ’ increasing unwillingness to pay ransom demands rather than a drop in the actual number of attacks .
The latest Crypto Crime Report by Chainalysis says that in 2022 , total ransomware revenue fell to its lowest in three years . And while
But the report stresses that the drop in payments does not necessarily mean there has been a drop in attacks , with evidence
“ This reluctance can be attributed to a number of factors , ranging from more widespread utilisation of solutions such as backup and recovery that mitigate the impact of attacks , to a fear of running afoul of government regulations that prohibit the payment of ransoms to organisations that are potentially affiliated with sanctioned nations and groups ,” said Kim Grauer , Director of Research , Chainalysis .
Though perception suggests the ransomware world is crowded for criminal organisations , Grauer says the actual number of individuals who make up the ransomware ecosystem is ‘ likely quite small ’ as analysis identifies a highly concentrated core group of malicious actors .

Roche Diagnostics sets new milestone in the Middle East with ISO27001 Information Security certification

Roche Diagnostics Middle East FZCO has set a new milestone as the first in-vitro diagnostics company in the Middle East to secure the prestigious ISO27001 Information Security certification in recognition of its exceptional commitment to protecting patient data information and building trust across the region .

The certification was awarded following a rigorous evaluation process of its information security management systems and operations .
ISO 27001 is an internationally accepted information security standard . It identifies the requirements for a comprehensive Information Security Management System ( ISMS ) and defines how organisations should manage and handle information in a secure manner , including appropriate security controls . It is universally recognised as a critical tool for assisting organisations in managing multiple threats and safeguarding their information assets .
Roche follows global best practices in information security by meeting the stringent criteria set under the ISO 27001 protocols . By aligning with international standards and having a structured method to address compliance requirements , Roche Diagnostics Middle East has achieved proven results in reducing the chances of security breaches and gained the increased trust and respect of its partners , customers and the public .
With combined strengths in both diagnostics and pharmaceuticals , Roche makes significant contributions to the healthcare system . 2022 is special for Roche , which celebrates its 125th anniversary , as well as the tenth anniversary of Roche Diagnostics Middle East .
www . intelligentcio . com INTELLIGENTCIO MIDDLE EAST 17