A Check Point report reveals a substantial rise in ransomware attacks globally, with India contributing to over half of phishing activities. The total number of incidents increased by 11% from last year, impacting several key sectors, particularly business services and construction. The Ransomware-as-a-Service model is easing access for attackers, prompting a rethink on cybersecurity practices.
In a recent report by Check Point, there has been a notable increase in ransomware attacks globally, with India accounting for over half of the instances in 2024. Though the United States experienced the highest number of attacks—936 in total—India placed fifth with 44 reported incidents. Other countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany were ranked second, third, and fourth respectively.
Ransomware incidents surged to a total of 5,414 worldwide in 2024, reflecting an 11% rise compared to the previous year. India played a significant role in this increase, particularly in phishing activities, whereby it accounted for more than 50% of the global total. The business services sector remained the most affected, suffering 451 attacks, while the retail and manufacturing sectors also saw marked increases with 201 incidents reported during the last quarter of 2024.
The construction industry witnessed a 50% rise in ransomware attacks from 2023 to 2024, elevating its position to fourth place in terms of frequency, surpassing sectors such as finance, education, and healthcare. Various factors have contributed to the escalation of ransomware activity; primarily, the Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model has empowered even novice perpetrators to orchestrate complex attacks, with RansomHub being responsible for 531 incidents.
This trend has been further supported by the disintegration of dominant ransomware groups, which has fostered competition and innovation among smaller organizations. Moreover, attackers are adapting their strategies, targeting Linux and VMware ESXi systems, using cloud-based tools for data theft, and employing artificial intelligence to enhance their attack strategies.
In conclusion, the report by Check Point highlights an alarming rise in ransomware attacks globally, particularly in India, which has surpassed 50% in phishing activities. The growth is influenced by the Ransomware-as-a-Service model and the evolving tactics of threat actors. Key sectors such as business services, construction, and manufacturing have faced the brunt of these attacks, indicating a pressing need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
