Breaking: Ransomware Has Been Eradicated

• Using groundbreaking technology, the International Ransomware Eradication Group has achieved the impossible: eliminating ransomware worldwide.
• The Infinite Loop Attack (ILA) exploits encryptions flaws, sending malware straight into the void.
• Cybersecurity experts see the dawn of a threat-free era—and are already booking vacations in Cancun.

The fight is finally over, said cybersecurity teams across the world. In an unprecedented breakthrough, a global, special operations cybersecurity team deployed a cutting-edge countermeasure known as the Infinite Loop Attack (ILA). By exploiting a critical flaw in ransomware code, they triggered an infinite encryption loop, making malware encrypt itself into oblivion. Within hours, all major ransomware around the world was neutralized.

According to the International Ransomware Eradication Group (IREG), “Ransomware is a threat of the past. Thanks to this groundbreaking technology, businesses are free to thrive without having to constantly look over their shoulders.” With ransomware deemed extinct, cybersecurity teams aren’t quite sure what to do with so much free time. One security operations manager said, “Looks like we’ll actually be able to take a vacation this year—without our laptops.” 

Now that organizations aren’t spending the average $1.5 million in ransomware attack recovery and aren’t stuck in downtime for three weeks, they can finally focus on innovation and expansion. The future of corporate America has never looked brighter. 

Joke’s over: Here’s what we’re actually up against 

Unfortunately for businesses everywhere, the above is just an April Fools’ joke. As much as we’d all like for ransomware to go extinct, that isn’t happening anytime soon—it’s quite the opposite. Ransomware payouts have actually doubled in the last year, with attackers hitting about seven in 10 businesses worldwide. 

In February, Storm-2372, a threat actor likely linked to Russia, launched a sophisticated phishing attack on Microsoft 365’s cloud services—proving even some trusted platforms aren’t 100% safe. Targets included governments, NGOs and key industries across Europe, North America, Africa and the Middle East. And as tensions with China escalate, nation-sponsored ransomware attacks, particularly those targeting critical infrastructure, are expected to grow.

But state-sponsored bad actors aren’t the only ones on the rise. Ransomware gangs are forming corporatized “cartels” and competing for affiliates, effectively launching Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) attacks at an unprecedented scale with globally expanding operations. Meanwhile, even novice criminals can get a chance at the big leagues for a low fee or with a quick AI query. 

With today’s low barrier to entry and a thriving cybercriminal black market, targets are shifting. Small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are moving up cybercriminals’ target lists. With plenty of desirable data ripe for the taking and an alarming lack of robust defenses, bad actors are simply obsessed. As businesses of all sizes are learning that they’re no longer immune, teams are hunkering down with preemptive security measures built for the ages. 

How we’re securing your future against ransomware

Ransomware gangs may think they have the upper hand, but at Symantec and Carbon Black, legendary brands united under the Broadcom banner, we’re working tirelessly to protect organizations of all sizes with the industry’s most advanced defenses, so you can keep moving forward. 

Here’s how we’re fighting for you: 

Tracking the unseen

Our Threat Hunter team isn’t just watching from the sidelines. They’re in the trenches, investigating ransomware operations and dragging their dirty dealings out of the shadows. During one of Spearwing’s attacks using Medusa ransomware, our dedicated team observed Spearwing often employs remote management software and “living off the land” tools to carry out their ransomware attacks.

Their meticulous tracking and documenting helps us recognize attack patterns and identify Medusa ransomware and other attacks faster, shedding light on the exact tools and techniques these attackers wield. And thanks to our 2024 ransomware landscape report and ongoing threat intelligence blogs, organizations have the timely insight they need to adapt their defenses.

Delivering the industry’s best defenses

Ransomware gangs are ruthless, but so are we. We’re redefining what organizations can expect from their cybersecurity protections by continuously delivering tried, trusted and true solutions that offer you peace of mind—the kind of peace of mind that’s possible when you can strike ransomware off your list of concerns.

Backed by continuous R&D and a relentless pursuit of innovation, Symantec and Carbon Black solutions keep earning third-party validation that demonstrates we’re living up to our commitment to keep you safe.

Here’s how we set the industry standard:  

100% Detection rate in endpoint security 

When SE Labs put Symantec Endpoint Security Complete (SESC) to the test against attack scenarios modeled after three of ransomware’s champion groups, SESC detected every attack—at every stage. This win proved that we’re giving your analysts a clear, real-time view of every move on the board, no matter their method.

Adaptive protection that outpaces the competition

Unique to Symantec Endpoint Security (SES) and now Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager, Adaptive Protection blocks one of cybercriminals’ favorite tactics—exploiting legitimate applications through “living off the land” (LotL) attacks—4 seconds faster than the competition. Using behavioral analytics, adaptive protection safeguards legitimate tools, blocks misuse and locks down applications. 

Top players in data loss prevention for 10 years running 

Our strong, long-standing position in the information protection market remains unshaken. Recognized by The Radicati Group as a Top Player in the 2025 Data Loss Prevention Market Quadrant, we lead the industry in functionality and strategic vision. Symantec Data Loss Prevention (DLP) uses adaptive controls to spot risky behavior, block unauthorized file transfers and guide your users to make better security choices before a mistake can turn into a breach. 

While 1 in 5 breaches stemming from insider threats, often by accident, human error doesn’t have to end in a spiral of regret.

Don’t let ransomware gangs make a fool of you this April–or anytime

No one can afford to assume everything will be fine. Ransomware is a formidable enemy, but our battle-tested solutions are primed to help you endure any threat—and will give you the edge you need to stay ahead of the enemy. After all, as Jason Rolleston, vice president and general manager of Broadcom’s Enterprise Security Group noted recently, we’ll never stop fighting for you.

Discover how our Threat Hunter Team maps the battlefield. Download our latest report, Ransomware 2025: A Resilient and Persistent Threat, for an inside look at the darkest threats and how we’re fighting back.