Ransomware Activities Over the Past Six Months Analyzed in New Report

A recent report unveils a comprehensive analysis of ransomware activities that took place during the past six months, revealing an alarming surge in such incidents, with some sectors being targeted more than others. The study was conducted by security firm, SonicWall.

Ransomware Attack Rates Skyrocket

The report highlighted a 151.9% increase in the number of ransomware attacks during the first half of 2021, compared to the same period of 2020. The numbers indicate a significant rise in cybercriminal activities, with a total of 304.7 million attempted ransomware attacks logged in the first six months of this year.

Industry-Specific Threat Landscape

The report also detailed the industries most heavily targeted by these attacks. Government organizations witnessed an increase of 917%, while healthcare saw a rise of 594%. A 430% increase in attacks was noted in the education sector, showing the vulnerability of these sectors to cyber threats.

Geographical Trends in Ransomware Attacks

Geographically, the report showed a notable increase in ransomware attacks in North America, which experienced a whopping 180% rise in such incidents. Europe trailed behind with a 67% increase, while Asia registered a 59% rise in ransomware attacks.

Given the increasing prevalence and sophistication of ransomware attacks, it’s crucial for industries and organizations to ramp up their cybersecurity measures. The report underscores the importance of regular system updates, robust security infrastructure, and sufficient employee training to enhance organizational resilience against these cyber threats.