Improved insight into ransomware

Currently, there is no reliable overview of ransomware attacks on institutions and businesses in the Netherlands and the resulting damages. This hinders effective countermeasures. Dialogic is conducting research for the WODC on how the nature and extent of ransomware attacks can be accurately assessed. The risk of a cyberattack is significant and increasing. Ransomware is a specific type of cyberattack where the victim is pressured by the perpetrator to act against their will. This often involves paying a ransom. The impact of such attacks on organisations can be significant and include:

• Costs for hiring capacity to respond to the attack;
• Costs due to data loss;
• Costs from data disclosure (reputational damage, fines, compensations, etc.);
• Ransom payments;
• Costs due to disruption of business continuity;
• Restoration costs for systems.

Due to the ongoing developments surrounding ransomware attacks and their severe consequences, earlier this year, we identified the specific risk factors at play in such attacks for the WODC and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). You can read the research report here. In order to paint the most comprehensive picture possible of the extent, nature, and impact of ransomware attacks, we will utilise various data sources.