Hey crims: Stumped on where to invest? Try this global franchise. No experience needed!

Cerber, the world's biggest ransomware-as-a-service scheme, has evolved to become a multi-national franchise. In July 2016 alone, Cerber had over 160 active campaigns, targeting 150,000 users in 201 countries, according to security researchers at Check Point. The overall profit made by Cerber in July was $195,000. The malware …

[Anonymous Coward]

Elreg slavishly echoing cyberscare marketroids

The blog behind this story claims the FBI told CNN that $209 million USD was paid in ransomware in 2016 already. Well, it is true that any number of news and web sites fell for that. But the latest April 2016 FBI press release on the subject (https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/cleveland/news/press-releases/ransomware-latest-cyber-extortion-tool) says $23 million in 2014 and $24 million in 2015.

So it would seem that $25 million in 2016 would be a better prediction than the $1 billion that is getting spouted by the cybersec vendors.

[Mark 85]

I've been waiting patiently for one of these ransomware "services" to be modified such that they will attack in one of or all of the States that are normally excluded. It could be interesting to watch if those countries go after the original writers or scream bloody murder at whatever country the modified malware was based (or presumed based) in. Turn about.. fair play.. and all that.

[Herby]

Build a better mousetrap....

...and the world (+ dog) beats a path to your door.

Capitalism at its very best.

Not much capital outlay, and great rewards. So what if it is illegal, that never stopped Al Capone (the tax man did!).