Ransomware and Cyber Extortion in Q1 2026

Q1 2026 intelligence: Ransomware pressure rose with 2,638 leak-site posts as established RaaS groups (Akira, Qilin) remained active, newcomer The Gentlemen surged, and extortion/noise increased via new leak sites (0APT, ALP-001). Identity-first intrusions and SaaS-native data theft by actors like ShinyHunters demonstrate high-impact extortion without encryptors; the report emphasizes defending common TTPs—exposed RDP/VPN, credential compromise, administrative lateral movement, defense evasion, and rapid data exfiltration—while validating leak claims quickly and prioritizing identity and third-party controls.