Now the US government is stepping up its approach to fighting computer crimes.

Last week, the White House convened aninternational counter-ransomware event.

The grouppledgedto share information and work together to track down and prosecute the cybercriminals behind ransomware attacks.

The high-level government attention to ransomware underscores its growing reach.

It also shows no sign of letting up.

Over the weekend, an apparent ransomware attack locked down servers and work stations atSinclair Broadcast Group.

Data also was stolen from the TV station operator, though it’s currently unclear what information it contained.

The company is investigating.

The attacks on Colonial Pipeline and JBS USA Holdings made headlines for weeks.

“Everything is connected, everything is vulnerable, and the threat actors are just getting more sophisticated.”

Both ransoms were paid in bitcoin, a popular cryptocurrency.

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Wisniewski says earlier attacks would target a dozen or so different entities.

By today’s standards, cybercriminals also weren’t as talented.

They bought the malware online and sent it out without much research into their targets.

Companies would often pay the ransom, have a go at keep things quiet and move on.

That started to change a few years ago.

Now ransoms often reach millions of dollars.

And other attack-related costs far outweigh the actual ransom.

On top of that, an attack usually prompts a company to upgrade its cybersecurity defenses, another cost.

Sometimes it can be tough for an entity to know exactly how much cybersecurity it should install.

The company didn’t immediately return an email seeking further comment for this story.

The government can help, too, he says.

“Look at what happened with Colonial Pipeline,” Cowen said.

“That group initially got paid but then they got tracked down and some of the money got returned.

That’s what happens when the government gets involved.”

Meanwhile, theTreasury Department saysit’ll sanction cryptocurrency exchanges, insurance companies and financial institutions that facilitate ransomware payments.

It also said it was taking action against virtual currency exchange SUEX OTC for allegedly facilitating ransomware payments.

Officials for SUEX couldn’t be reached for comment.

“Are we going to sanction China?”

“I don’t think so.”