US calls ransomware summit – without Russia

While Moscow denies responsibility, ransomware attacks have been often blamed on Russian-speaking hacker groups or those operating from Russian territory. — 123rf.com

WASHINGTON: Washington has called about 30 nations together Wednesday and Thursday to boost the international fight against ransomware, a senior White House official said, noting that Russia was not invited.

The United States has been hit, especially in the first half of 2021, by a series of ransomware attacks that have seen cyber-extortionists seize data or networks in exchange for cryptocurrency payments.