Experts note increased number of cyberattacks on Russian corporations, govt agencies in March

MOSCOW. April 5 (Interfax) - Kaspersky Lab experts have noted an increased number of ransomware attacks on Russian entities in March; the attacks reached their peak after March 20.

"The number of ransomware attacks surged in Russia in mid-March 2022, following a period of decline observed at the end of winter," the company said in a statement.

The surge reached its peak after March 20: over that period, the number of attacks quadrupled, compared to late February, it said.

According to Kaspersky Lab, the attacks targeted corporations and government agencies.

Most attacks started with an email message to an employee with an attached malware or link, the company said. "As the malware penetrated the system and explored corporate infrastructure, data was encrypted and normal functioning of devices was blocked," it said.

A characteristic feature of the March attacks was that no ransom was demanded in numerous cases, it said.