According to a Check Point report, India accounted for over half of phishing activities amid a surge in ransomware attacks in 2024. The U.S. led in total attacks, with significant growth observed in the business services sector. The report examines contributing factors, including Ransomware-as-a-Service and evolving tactics by attackers.
In a recent report by Check Point, it has been highlighted that ransomware attacks have surged globally, with India accounting for over half of the phishing activities in 2024. While the United States experienced the highest number of attacks with a total of 936 incidents in the fourth quarter, India ranked fifth with 44 reported attacks, following Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
Globally, ransomware incidents increased to 5,414 in 2024, marking an 11% rise from the previous year. The business services sector was identified as the primary target, suffering 451 attacks, while the retail and manufacturing industries witnessed a significant rise with 201 attacks reported in the last quarter. Additionally, the construction sector climbed ranks, showing a 50% increase in ransomware incidents from 2023 to 2024, surpassing the financial, education, and healthcare sectors.
The report attributes the rise in ransomware attacks to several factors. The introduction of the Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model has enabled even inexperienced individuals to launch highly sophisticated attacks, with groups like RansomHub responsible for 531 attacks. The ransomware landscape has become increasingly competitive and innovative following the dismantling of major entities, leading to smaller groups adopting novel strategies. Moreover, there has been a shift in tactics, with attackers increasingly targeting Linux and VMware ESXi systems, using cloud tools for data theft, and incorporating artificial intelligence to enhance their assault strategies.
The significant increase in ransomware attacks in 2024 underscores the evolving threat landscape, particularly in India, which has seen an alarming rise in phishing activities. The strategic shifts being employed by various attackers, facilitated by the Ransomware-as-a-Service model, highlight the need for robust cybersecurity measures across all sectors. As ransomware continues to advance, industries must remain vigilant and proactive to mitigate the risks associated with these threats.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
