The Check Point report reveals a notable rise in global ransomware attacks in 2024, with India accounting for over half of phishing activities. The U.S. topped the list of attacks, while the construction industry saw a marked increase. Factors driving this surge include the proliferation of Ransomware-as-a-Service and the evolution of attack tactics.
A new report by Check Point highlights a significant increase in ransomware attacks globally, with India experiencing over half of these incidents in 2024. The United States registered the highest number of attacks, totaling 936, while India recorded 44, placing it fifth among the top affected nations. Canada, the UK, and Germany comprised the second, third, and fourth positions respectively.
In total, ransomware incidents surged to 5,414 worldwide, marking an 11% increase compared to the prior year. India contributed significantly to this spike, accounting for more than 50% of total phishing activities. Among sectors, business services remained the most targeted with 451 attacks, followed by retail and manufacturing, which reported a 201 attack increase in the last quarter of 2024.
The construction industry saw a remarkable 50% uptick in ransomware cases from 2023 to 2024, placing it fourth in the rankings and overtaking financial, education, and healthcare sectors. This surge in attacks can be attributed to several factors. The Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model has enabled less experienced attackers to execute sophisticated operations effectively, with RansomHub being responsible for 531 of these attacks.
Furthermore, the dissolution of major ransomware groups has triggered increased competition and creativity among smaller teams. Evolving tactics are also evident, with attackers now focusing on Linux and VMware ESXi systems and employing cloud tools for data theft. Additionally, artificial intelligence is being utilized to enhance the effectiveness of these attacks.
The surge in ransomware attacks, particularly in India, underscores a growing threat landscape exacerbated by the RaaS model and evolving attack strategies. The data reveals a shift in targeted sectors, with construction witnessing a significant rise. This escalation reflects the pressures on business services, retail, and manufacturing sectors as they grapple with increasing cybersecurity challenges. Organizations must remain vigilant and adaptive to counter these advancing threats.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
