Ransomware Payments Exceed $1 Billion in 2023, Hitting Record High After 2022 Decline

Chainalysis's 2023 analysis documents a major comeback in ransomware: payments surpassed $1 billion, the number of distinct groups and median ransom amounts increased, and attacks became more frequent and complex; the report cites groups like ALPHV/BlackCat and Scattered Spider and highlights high-impact incidents (e.g., MGM Resorts estimated $100M in damages) to show the broader economic impact beyond ransom payouts.