Report reveals an almost 20% surge in ransomware victims compared to the previous year

A recent report by GuidePoint Security indicates a nearly 20% surge in victims of ransomware attacks since the first quarter of 2023. This data is sourced from public information and threat evaluations.

Despite the disruption of two major ransomware groups (Lockbit and Alphv), the number of active ransomware groups has climbed by 55% year-on-year. The report identifies the top three most active groups: LockBit, Blackbasta, and Play. Even with law enforcement actions in February 2024, LockBit managed to be among the forefront in other Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) operations. Despite the obstacles presented by law enforcement, LockBit reported 219 victims, averaging three victims per day before February 2024 and two victims per day after the enforcement action.

Over half of the total ransomware victims were located in the United States, amounting to 537 victims. The sectors most affected were manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.