Chainalysis reports a significant decline in illicit cryptocurrency activity from 2022 to 2023, with funds sent to illicit addresses dropping from $39.6 billion to $24.2 billion. The decrease is attributed to fewer scams, hacks, and improved security in DeFi protocols. Despite this positive trend, the report notes that sanctioned entities accounted for a substantial $14.9 billion of transaction volume in 2023, with Russian cryptocurrency exchange Garantex being a significant contributor. Payments related to ransomware also saw an increase, suggesting cybercriminals are adapting to cybersecurity improvements.

UK’s Legal Aid Agency Experiences Cyberattack
A UK Ministry of Justice executive agency was targeted in a cyberattack, compromising its systems. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in cybersecurity, prompting a review of