DarkWatch Weekly: Ransomware Groups Stay Active as Dark Web Activity Rises
This week, DarkWatch captured 183,156 pieces of intelligence across 36,613 entities, generating 3,197 alerts. We're currently monitoring 11 active targets, with ransomware groups dominating the landscape. Dark web activity is up 22% week-on-week, partly driven by new scam channels on Telegram.
Top Monitored Targets
The most watched target this week is an unidentified ransomware group, followed by a dark web discovery hub. Among known groups, Rhysida, LockBit, RansomHouse, 8Base, Akira, ALPHV/BlackCat, BlackBasta, BianLian, Cactus, and Clop are all active. Several leak sites have been live, including DragonForce, INC Ransom, and LockBit 3.0, indicating ongoing extortion campaigns.
What This Means for UK Families
While these groups typically target businesses, the stolen data often ends up affecting ordinary people. If your personal information is caught up in a breach, you could be at risk of identity theft or targeted phishing. Keep an eye on your accounts and be cautious of unexpected emails or calls.
Actionable Takeaway
Stay informed and protect your data. Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts, enable two-factor authentication where possible, and be wary of unsolicited messages. If you hear of a data breach affecting a company you use, change your password immediately and monitor your accounts for unusual activity.
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