A score of countries promise to fight ransomware at a summit in the US.

More than two dozen countries resolved to collectively fight the growing global threat posed by cyber extortionists, following a US-led ransomware summit.

The United States brought countries together – with the notable exception of Russia – to unify and advance efforts in the fight against a rising and potentially devastating transnational cybercrime.

“The ransomware threat is complex and global in nature and requires a shared response,” reads the joint summit statement.

The text adds that nations “recognize the need for urgent action, common priorities and complementary efforts.”

These attacks consist of breaking into the networks of an entity to encrypt their data and then demand a ransom, which is usually paid through cryptocurrencies, in exchange for the key to unlock them.

The strengthening of digital security and offline “backups”, as well as the judicial prosecution of the money laundering obtained with these attacks, were identified as crucial steps in the fight.

“We will consider all available national tools when taking action against those responsible for ransomware operations that threaten critical infrastructure and public safety,” the statement said.

The nations also resolved to work together on law enforcement operations – which are challenging because cybercriminals cross borders – and on the use of diplomatic pressure.

Although Moscow denies any responsibility, most of the recent ransomware attacks against the United States have been attributed to hacker groups speaking Russian or operating from Russian territory.

White House officials said Russia was not invited to this “first round” of talks, but that Washington has opened a separate line of communication with Moscow on this sensitive issue.

Britain, Australia, India, Japan, France, Germany, South Korea, Israel, the European Union, Kenya and Mexico, among others, were among the roughly 30 participants in the virtual meeting on Wednesday and Thursday.

During the summit, nations recounted their harrowing experiences with cyber extortion, including the declaration of a digital “disaster” in Germany. Israel even announced that an attack was under way on a major hospital.

Washington has tried to crack down on the sharp increase in these attacks. One of them is the issuance of sanctions against an online exchange in which illicit operators allegedly exchanged cryptocurrencies for cash.

Attacks on a major US oil pipeline, a meatpacking company and the Microsoft Exchange email system drew attention to the vulnerability of US infrastructure to digital hackers.