In an unusually blunt admission, a global coalition that includes Canada has warned that despite its best efforts, the international community is “failing to deter or degrade ransomware actors.” This sobering message comes from the 74-member Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI), highlighting an urgent need for new strategies as cyber threats continue to evolve at an alarming pace.

The announcement was made following the group’s fifth international summit and published in a statement shared by Public Safety Canada. It serves as a critical alert for businesses and public institutions in Saint John and across the country that the danger from ransomware is not just persistent, but growing.

A Sobering Reality Check

For years, governments have collaborated to share intelligence and disrupt cybercrime networks. However, the CRI’s latest statement pulls no punches. “The threat is evolving—and so must we,” the coalition stated, acknowledging that current strategies are falling short against sophisticated ransomware gangs.

This reality check emphasizes that no organization is immune. From small businesses to major public services, the risk of having your data encrypted and held for ransom is a significant operational threat. The CRI is now focused on moving from “words to action” to deliver tangible results for a safer digital future.

New Strategies in the Fight Against Cybercrime

The CRI, which now includes new members like the World Bank, is doubling down on several key areas to turn the tide against digital extortion.

Key initiatives for 2025 include:

• Enhanced Information Sharing: A new framework has been adopted to streamline how member countries share critical threat intelligence in real-time.
• Targeting Supply Chains: The group has released new guidance to help organizations secure their supply chains, which are often the weakest link and a primary entry point for attackers.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Strengthening collaboration between governments and private sector cybersecurity experts is a top priority to develop more effective countermeasures.

These efforts aim to build collective resilience and hold criminal actors accountable, making it harder for them to operate and profit from their attacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that blocks access to a computer system or files until a sum of money is paid. Attackers encrypt your data and demand a ransom, usually in cryptocurrency, in exchange for the decryption key.

How does this global issue affect people in Saint John?

Ransomware attacks can disrupt local businesses, hospitals, city services, and schools. A successful attack can lead to financial loss, data breaches of personal information, and the shutdown of essential services that you rely on every day.

What is the Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI)?

The CRI is a coalition of 74 international partners, including Canada, working together to combat the threat of ransomware. They focus on disrupting attackers, building resilience, and improving collaboration between governments and the private sector.

What can you do to protect yourself?

You can protect yourself by regularly backing up your important data to an external drive or secure cloud service, using strong and unique passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and being cautious of suspicious emails and links. Keeping your software and antivirus programs updated is also critical.