US EditionCriminals using AI to commit ransomware attacks, cybersecurity centre warns
The Cyber Centre reports ransomware attacks using AI increased from 2021 to 2024, employing multi-extortion tactics to pressure victims and boost ransom payments.
- The Cyber Centre warned on Jan. 28, 2026 that ransomware incidents rose from 2021 to 2024 as criminals use AI to exploit vulnerabilities and automate attacks.
- Facing rising incidents from 2021 to 2024, the report notes the centre warned as early as 2022 that attackers use 'multi‑extortion methods,' including data theft and threats to partners or clients.
- Employing pressure tactics, attackers have threatened targets' partners or clients and one cybercriminal group known to target Canadian victims used denial-of-service attacks during payment negotiations; the Cyber Centre recommends Assemblyline and basic digital hygiene to reduce risk.
- The Cyber Centre warns critical infrastructure and large firms remain attractive ransomware targets, describing it as a disruptive, costly challenge for Canadian organizations of every size in the coming years.
- The report urges collaboration between police, the private sector and international allies to bolster understanding of threats and coordinate responses, while organizations should practise basic digital hygiene like software updates, multi-factor authentication and backups.
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23 Articles
Criminals Increasingly Using AI for Ransomware Attacks: Cybersecurity Centre
Cybercriminals have been turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to further their ransomware attacks, according to a new report by the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS). The new report, “Ransomware Threat Outlook 2025-27,” looks at the trends of ransomware crimes and its impact on Canadians and Canadian organizations. Ransomware is software used by hackers to gain access to a phone or other device and encrypt, steal or erase data and dem…
castanet.net
Criminals using AI to commit ransomware attacks, cybersecurity centre warns
The federal cybersecurity centre warns in a new report that criminals who hold data for ransom are using artificial intelligence tools that make it easier to target their victims.
In a new report, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security warns that criminals who hold data for ransom use artificial intelligence tools that allow them to better target their victims
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