Ransomware threats: How AI can help combat cybercrime
Image: File
Ransomware has emerged as one of the most devastating cyber threats, wreaking havoc on businesses, governments, and essential services worldwide, and addressing this complex problem requires adopting artificial intelligence to create better detection mechanisms.
This is according to Avinash Singh, a lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Pretoria (UP), who is helping to find the solution.
In 2024, a Fortune 50 company paid $75 million to ransomware attackers – the highest confirmed ransom payout in history. Ransomware attacks, once indiscriminate and opportunistic, have evolved into sophisticated, targeted campaigns.
The advent of ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) has lowered barriers to entry for attackers, enabling even novice cybercriminals to access pre-built ransomware kits and technical support.
Singh explained that this dark web ecosystem operates much like legitimate software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms like Gmail and Zoom, except its focus is on digital extortion rather than productivity.
In South Africa, the Sophos State of Ransomware 2024 report revealed that the average ransom payment reached R17.9 million, with recovery costs, excluding ransom payments, averaging R19.44 million.
Beyond financial costs, attacks like the breach of the National Health Laboratory Service in June 2024, where 1.2 terabytes of sensitive data were stolen, highlight the societal implications, disrupted healthcare services, loss of public trust, and potential harm to individuals whose data is compromised.
This is one of many ransomware attacks targeting South African organisations.
Addressing this complex problem requires adopting artificial intelligence to create better detection mechanisms.
'Artificial intelligence requires datasets that are often not available, resulting in researchers having to do exhaustive experimentation just to get the necessary data to perform detection tasks,' Singh explains.
To solve this lack of data, he designed a tool called MalFE to advance malware research by facilitating the collection and analysis of ransomware samples.
'MalFE enables researchers to create machine-learning datasets more efficiently, compare malware reports, and share findings in an open, collaborative environment. By combining technical innovation with an ethos of transparency and accessibility, the platform embodies the collaborative spirit of this research.'
Singh explained that the significance of this work extends beyond individual organisations to the broader societal and economic landscape.
'Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure threaten public services and economic stability, with ripple effects that disrupt entire communities.'
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