According to a Check Point report, ransomware attacks have surged globally in 2024, with India accounting for over 50% of phishing incidents. The U.S. led with the most attacks at 936, followed by Canada, the UK, and Germany. The construction sector saw a significant rise in attacks, indicating evolving threats and new tactics employed by cybercriminals.
A recent report by Check Point indicates a disturbing rise in ransomware attacks globally, with a significant percentage occurring in India. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the United States experienced the highest number of attacks, tallying 936, while India was fifth with 44 incidents. Other nations, such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany, occupied the second, third, and fourth positions respectively.
In total, ransomware attacks surged to 5,414 worldwide in 2024, marking an 11% increase from the previous year. India was responsible for over half of the phishing activity associated with these attacks. The business services sector remained the most targeted, with 451 attacks, followed by retail and manufacturing, which experienced a significant uptick to 201 incidents during the final quarter of 2024.
The construction sector notably saw a 50% increase in ransomware incidents from 2023 to 2024, now ranking fourth after previously held sectors such as finance, education, and healthcare. This spike reflects the evolving nature of threats as cybercriminals adapt their strategies.
Several key factors contribute to the rise in ransomware activity. The emergence of the Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model has facilitated the participation of inexperienced threat actors in sophisticated attacks, with RansomHub being a prominent group responsible for 531 incidents. The disruption of dominant players in the ransomware ecosystem has incited competition and innovation among smaller, more agile groups.
Furthermore, attackers are adapting by targeting Linux and VMware ESXi operating systems, utilizing cloud-based tools for data breaches, and even harnessing artificial intelligence to enhance the effectiveness of their attacks.
Published on March 18, 2025, at 1:52 PM IST.
The surge in ransomware attacks underscores a critical cybersecurity challenge for global organizations, particularly in India where the incidence has notably increased. The shift in tactics by threat actors, the expansion of Ransomware-as-a-Service, and the adaptation by smaller groups contribute significantly to this troubling trend. Addressing these evolving threats will require significant attention and resources from all sectors affected by ransomware.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
