Do you know that ransomware attack is at its peak? In the second quarter of this year, RYUK led the charge with the most number of ransomware attacks.
Ransomware has witnessed a massive increase in 2021, with global attack volume growing by 151 percent in the first half of the year compared to the previous period. Additionally, the FBI has expressed concern that more than 100 types of viruses are already spreading over the globe.
The ransomware outbreak hit an astonishing 304.7 million attacks within the telemetry of SonicWall Capture Labs in a hard-number perspective. The corporation has recorded 304,6 million ransomware attack attempts for 2020 to bring that forward. A good Vulnerability Management Software can prevent such attacks.
According to a recent mid-year study by SonicWall, the top three ransomware strains seen in the wilderness are Ryuk, Cerber, and SamSam.
READ ALSO: Your Essential Ransomware Guide: Prevention, Detection, and Recovery
Table of Contents
Top Variants: Ransomware Attack
In the first half, SonicWall researchers documented 93.9 million cases of Ryuk in terms of the three most frequent varieties of ransomware. They ran it to position number 1 – a number tripled in the number of Ryuk tests in the first half of 2020.
In the first half of 2021, scientists observed Cerber employed in 52.5 million hits logged. Cerber, the number of attacks almost quadrupled in April and increased to over five times the level of January by May. Cerber is clearly on the rise, researchers say.
Finally, for the first half, SamSam registered 49.7 million instances — more than double the volumes seen for 2020 — in the first half of SonicWall figures. Researchers reported that June alone saw 15.7 million hits, more than two-thirds of last year's 23.5 million SamSam hits.
Record-Breaking Cyber Attacks
According to SonicWall, the level of attacks seems to be increasing. The volume of Ransomware surged from 115.8 million in Q1 attacks to 188.9 million in Q2 attacks.
Even though there are malware attacks in the second half (which is overly optimistic), 2021 will go down in history as by far the worst year for ransomware that SonicWall has ever tracked.
Furthermore, every month in the second quarter hit a new high.
“The ransomware grew again in May after it climbed to another high in April, and then watched it rise again in June,” experts stated. “During the same month, 78.4 million ransomware attempts were documented, which is higher than the whole first quarter of 2020 and over half the overall number of assaults for 2019.”
READ ALSO: How to Protect Your Computer from Ransomware: Essential Security Measures
A Global Problem: Ransomware
The survey concluded that ransomware is not only rising, but it's a worldwide problem.
According to SonicWall, Europe felt the brunt of the volume rises at 234% in ransomware attacks in the first half. North America hadn't been too far behind, with 180 percent of the ransomware volume in the area.
The news is better for Asia, which has only 59% of its ransomware hits yearly. However, the volume of the onslaught began to decrease when it achieved a peak in March. By June, the number of attacks was only roughly a fifth as high as three months ago.
While Europe has experienced the most suffering as a region, the United States has reported the most ransomware attacks far and wide; a study shows that the volume of attacks in the US increased 185% from last year's first half.
“In reality, the USA had almost as many sweets as the other nine countries put together…times four,” according to the research. “In the top 10 countries for ransomware volume.
In the second-class country of the UK, the Ransomware volume surged 144%.
The Most Targeted Is The Government SectorÂ
The government was the most targeted sector in 2021 by an overwhelming majority. By June, according to analysts, government customers saw almost ten times the usual ransomware attempts. However, this status is interpreted by the devil in detail.
In the first half of 2021, government clients experienced more ransomware assaults than the norm, while education clients experienced more in three out of six months.
Ransomware Attack At Its Peak: Cybersecurity News 2024
The year 2024 has witnessed a relentless assault on the digital landscape, with ransomware attacks reaching an unsettling peak.
These malicious software programs, designed to encrypt a victim's data and hold it hostage for ransom, have crippled businesses, government agencies, and even critical infrastructure. Here's a glimpse into the concerning cybersecurity news of 2024:
The Rise of AI-Powered Ransomware
Industry reports like the “Malwarebytes' 2024 ThreatDown State of Malware Report” reveal a worrying trend – the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into ransomware.
These advanced versions can scan networks for vulnerabilities, target specific data, and even negotiate ransom demands autonomously, making them significantly more sophisticated and dangerous.
Global Ransomware Costs Skyrocket
The financial impact of ransomware attacks has reached unprecedented levels. Estimates suggest global businesses lost billions of dollars in 2024 due to downtime, data recovery, and ransom payments.
This surge highlights the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures and international cooperation to combat this evolving threat.
Shifting Targets and Tactics
While traditional ransomware attacks focus on encrypting data, newer variants adopt a more multifaceted approach. Ransomware gangs are now threatening to leak stolen data online, further pressuring victims into paying.
Additionally, the focus seems to shift from large enterprises to smaller businesses and critical infrastructure, causing widespread disruption.
Law Enforcement Efforts
International law enforcement agencies, recognizing the gravity of the situation, are collaborating more actively to disrupt ransomware operations and apprehend cybercriminals.
Operation Cronos, a multinational effort, is a prime example of this collaboration. However, the global nature of cybercrime and the anonymity offered by the dark web make these efforts complex and ongoing.
The Search for Solutions
The cybersecurity industry is rapidly developing solutions to counter the evolving threat. Advanced security software with AI capabilities is designed to detect and prevent ransomware attacks.
Additionally, emphasis is being placed on data backup and recovery strategies, allowing organizations to restore critical data without succumbing to extortion demands.
The Road Ahead
The fight against ransomware requires a multifaceted approach. Businesses must invest in robust cybersecurity defenses, prioritize employee training, and have full incident response plans.
Additionally, governments must work together to create a legal framework for international cooperation and hold cybercriminals accountable. We can curb the ransomware pandemic and ensure a safer digital future through a collaborative effort.
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About the Author:
Daniel Segun is the Founder and CEO of SecureBlitz Cybersecurity Media, with a background in Computer Science and Digital Marketing. When not writing, he's probably busy designing graphics or developing websites.
