International ransomware gangs are evolving their techniques. The next generation of hackers will target weaknesses in cryptocurrencies

Ransomware attacks are becoming increasingly common and sophisticated, with the average ransom payment rising to $1.5 million in the past year, according to a survey by Sophos, while attacks on city governments and police forces often go unnoticed; researchers are now focusing on the next generation of ransomware that may exploit vulnerabilities in cryptocurrencies, such as the proof-of-stake consensus mechanism used in Ethereum, which could be targeted for extortion.

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