Operators of ransomware are having a field day.
Ransomware attacks are on the rise. Factors like higher geopolitical tensions, transition to remote working and learning, and organizations’ readiness to pay up have contributed to the increase in ransomware.
According to a Check Point Research analysis, every 1/40 businesses now face a ransomware attack attempt every week. The most vulnerable are the government/military, education/research, and healthcare industries.
The government and military sectors experienced a 135 % increase in ransomware threats between Q2 of 2022. In 2021 ransomware affected 1/24 companies each week.
Up 59% in a year
The education and research sector has grown into the most attacked industry worldwide. With an average of 2,300 attacks, per organization, every week. If compared to Q2 2021, it is a 53% increase.
With up to a 182% increase in ransomware campaigns, the retail and wholesale industries have experienced the most attacks yearly.
Overall, the number of ransomware threats has increased by 59% in a year. The majority of them arrived in the second quarter of the year, with a 32% increase over Q2 2021. The average weekly attack per organization peaked at 1,200 throughout the quarter.
Among the various areas of the world, Africa has experienced the greatest growth in ransomware attacks with 21% yearly for the weekly average of hit businesses. Fortunately, Europe has witnessed a 1 percent decrease with 1/65 organizations affected by a ransomware attack every week.
We all know hackers are taking advantage of remote work and learning thus increasing ransomware attacks. The war between Ukraine and Russia also contributes to this increase; as rising geopolitical tensions inspire hackers to take sides.
The cooperation of hospitals to accept ransom demands to save patients’ lives has proven that the ransomware industry is immensely profitable. As a result, hackers are continuing to devote resources to targeting healthcare businesses.
For enterprises worldwide, it is strongly recommended to follow ransomware protection recommendations, such as backing up data, keeping systems up to date, and teaching personnel about awareness.
