In December 2024, ransomware attacks reached historic highs, leading to a worrisome end to the year for cybersecurity across a variety of sectors.
December 2024 saw an unprecedented increase in ransomware attacks, with 574 incidents recorded – the highest monthly total recorded since 2021. This spike came as shocking news, especially when December typically sees a decline in cyber activity due to the holiday season. This trend underscores the evolving and increasingly aggressive nature of ransomware threats, according to the latest Threat Pulse report from cybersecurity firm NCC Group.
North America was the most affected region, experiencing 52% of all attacks, or nearly 300 incidents. It was followed by Europe, which saw 18% of the attacks, while South America saw an increase of 40 incidents, a slight increase from 35 last year. Asia accounted for 16% of attacks, almost identical to European figures, indicating a growing global risk.
Of particular concern is the emergence of new threat actors such as funsecExperts warn this could herald an even more volatile scenario for 2025. If such groups continue to adopt bold tactics, we can expect an increase in the frequency and severity of ransomware attacks in various regions, increasing national security risks, especially when they target strategic industries. ,
The industrial sector bore the brunt of the attacks, accounting for 24% of all ransomware attempts in December. The report highlights a notable change in the tactics adopted by the notorious Black Basta gang, ranging from basic malware to sophisticated phishing attacks carried out through platforms such as Teams and Skype, as well as employing botnets such as Darkgate and ZBot. Has moved towards doing. These developments pose a serious threat, emphasizing the urgent need for companies to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses in response to the growing threats in the cyber landscape.
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