Ransomware Skips Encryption

Attackers are increasingly extorting victims after stealing data via credential theft and legitimate access rather than deploying file‑encrypting malware. At the same time, proliferating leak sites and possibly fake breach postings force organizations to investigate non‑incidents and amplify reputational pressure. — This tactical shift means defenders, regulators, insurers, and disclosure rules must pivot from purely anti‑malware fixes toward credential protection, access governance, and handling noisy/false public leak claims.