The quiet scheme saving thousands from ransomware

The quiet scheme saving thousands from ransomware
By Joe Tidy Cyber-security reporter 26 July 2019
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Ransomware outbreaks can cost large businesses and organisations millions

A free scheme to prevent cyber-attack victims paying ransom to hackers claims to have saved more than 200,000 victims at least $108m (£86m).

The No More Ransom project offers advice and software to recover computer files encrypted in ransomware attacks.

Founded by Europol, police in the Netherlands, and McAfee, it now has more than 150 global partners.

With 14 new tools introduced in 2019 alone, Europol says it can now decrypt 109 different types of infection.

"When we take a close look at ransomware, we see how easy a device can be infected in a matter of seconds," says Steven Wilson, head of Europol's European Cybercrime Centre (EC3).


'Memories disappear'

"A wrong click and databases, pictures and a life of memories can disappear forever.

"No More Ransom brings hope to the victims, a real window of opportunity, but also delivers a clear message to the criminals: the international community stands together with a common goal, operational successes are and will continue to bring the offenders to justice."

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media captionTechnology explained: What is ransomware?

Among the ransomware campaigns tackled by the project is GrandCrab - one of the most aggressive in 2018.

Since the release of the first GandCrab tool in February 2018, nearly 40,000 people have successfully decrypted their files, saving roughly $50m in ransom payments.

In 2019, there has been a surge in ransomware attacks particularly aimed at large companies.

One company, Norsk Hydro, has already spent well over £50m recovering fr ..

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