According to recent reports, ransomware attackers extorted at least € million in 2022, while the number of ransomware strains saw a sharp increase. The actual amount extorted may be even higher, as may the number of attacks. See “The 2023 Crypto Crime Report”, Chainalysis, February 2023. 11.
Indeed, it is striking that despite active and creative monetary policies in both the euro area and Japan, inflation remains below target levels.