Interview It might not be as big a name as BlackCat or LockBit, but Akira ransomware is just as dangerous, says a cybersecurity researcher — and it's poised to make a big impact.
Akira ransomware: The latest threat to your data security
Scott Small, director of cyber threat intelligence at Tidal Cyber, said most of what Akira does is fairly routine for a cybercriminal gang. Regardless, Small cautions not to underestimate the crew, which he said is "a very skilled group."
While much of what it does exploits well-known vulnerabilities, some of Akira's tactics are less common in the ransomware world, making it easier to detect and fix if you know what you're looking for. For example, Akira relies on FTP to exfiltrate files, Small said, noting that FTP is not such a common tool for ransomware groups.
"Core cyber hygiene measures can have a dramatic impact on reducing your exposure to these attacks," Small said in an interview, which you can watch above. "But it again shows the creativity and persistence of many of these groups."
