Nations vow to combat ransomware at US-led summit

Washington: Over two dozen nations resolved Thursday to battle collectively against the global and escalating threat posed by cyber-extortionists, following a Washington-led anti-ransomware summit.

The United States gathered the countries — with the notable exception of Russia — to unify and boost efforts to fight a cybercrime that is transnational, on the rise and potentially devastating.

“The threat of ransomware is complex and global in nature and requires a shared response,” the joint summit statement said, adding the nations “recognize the need for urgent action, common priorities and complementary efforts.”