Updated Tactics of Play Ransomware Group

It’s a Wednesday, June 4, 2025, when we got a crucial alert from the FBI, CISA, and the Australian Cyber Security Centre. They’ve highlighted some unnerving updates about the Play ransomware group. This group’s menace has been felt since 2022 with a staggering count of 900 victims by this May. Their reach extends across continents—North America, South America, and Europe.

The Play group operates like a secret club, maintaining tight confidentiality during ransom negotiations, underscored in their online statements. Their method? Think of it as a nasty one-two punch: first, they swipe your sensitive data, then they lock up your systems. Rather than quoting a ransom amount, they simply say, “email us.”

Insights and Warnings from Cyber Experts

Scott Gee, the Deputy National Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk at the AHA, provided some context to these threats. He called Play ransomware one of the most active cyber threats in 2024. Understanding their evolving tactics is vital, especially for those in healthcare.

The dual extortion method that cripples systems while leaking data is particularly risky for hospitals. As these attackers develop new strategies, it’s essential for network defenders to stay vigilant. Gee’s insights remind us that staying ahead of cybercriminals is a continuous battle.

For more on cybersecurity matters, reach out to Scott Gee at sgee@aha.org, or explore resources and threat intelligence at aha.org/cybersecurity.

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