Cactus

Cactus is a malicious software (malware) known for its destructive capabilities, particularly in the form of ransomware attacks. It primarily infiltrates systems through suspicious downloads, emails, or websites and can cause severe damage by stealing personal information, disrupting operations, or holding data hostage for ransom. Notably, Cactus has been distributed via malvertising attacks that leverage the DanaBot Trojan, demonstrating its sophisticated propagation mechanisms. In 2023, Cactus made headlines with several high-profile attacks on major corporations. One significant breach occurred at OmniVision, a leading developer of advanced digital imaging solutions. Following a Cactus ransomware attack, OmniVision was forced to disclose a substantial data breach, underscoring the malware's ability to penetrate robust corporate security measures. In another instance, the Cactus ransomware gang claimed responsibility for an attack on Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management and automation, resulting in the theft of 1.5TB of data. The Swedish retail and grocery provider Coop also fell victim to a Cactus ransomware attack, further illustrating the malware's widespread impact. Despite its potency, Cactus was not the most prevalent ransomware as of the provided data. It came second, accounting for 7.74% of ransomware incidents, trailing behind LockBit but surpassing others such as Play, RansomHub, Akira, Hunters, and BlackBasta. These statistics highlight the diverse and competitive landscape of ransomware threats, with Cactus emerging as a significant player. As such, organizations are urged to bolster their cybersecurity measures to protect against this potent threat.