SONICWALL: RECORD 304.7 MILLION RANSOMWARE ATTACKS ECLIPSE 2020 GLOBAL TOTAL IN JUST 6 MONTHS

• Ransomware showed massive year-to-date spikes in the U.S. (185%), U.K. (144%)
• Ryuk, Cerber, SamSam top families of the year, making up 64% of all ransomware volume
• Government, education, healthcare, retail verticals increasingly targeted by ransomware
• Up 59% year-to-date globally, IoT malware continues growth since 2018
• Cryptojacking malware remains a key threat, up 23% year-to-date globally and up 22% in the U.S.
• SonicWall’s patented RTDMI™ finding more never-before-seen malware than ever, posting a 54% year-to-date increase over the first half of 2020

In the first half of 2021, ransomware attacks skyrocketed, eclipsing the entire volume for 2020 in only six months, according to the mid-year update to the 2021 SonicWall Cyber Threat Report. In a new paradigm for cybercrime, SonicWall is analyzing how threat actors are using any means possible to further their malicious intents. 

With high-profile attacks against established technology and infrastructure, ransomware is now more prevalent than ever. Through the first half of 2021, SonicWall recorded global ransomware volume of 304.7 million, surpassing 2020’s full-year total (304.6 million) — a 151% year-to-date increase.

“In a year driven by anxiety and uncertainty, cybercriminals have continued to accelerate attacks against innocent people and vulnerable institutions,” said SonicWall President and CEO Bill Conner. “This latest data shows that sophisticated threat actors are tirelessly adapting their tactics and embracing ransomware to reap financial gain and sow discord. With remote working still widespread, businesses continue to be highly exposed to risk, and criminals are acutely aware of uncertainty across the cyber landscape. It’s crucial that organizations move toward a modern Boundless Cybersecurity approach to protect against both known and unknown threats, particularly when everyone is more remote, more mobile and less secure than ever.”

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