NCC Group’s 2024 cyber threat intelligence report reveals a record-breaking 5,263 ransomware attacks, painting a concerning picture of the global cybersecurity landscape.
This cyber threat report highlights the escalating challenges faced by businesses and institutions worldwide. The report details a significant increase in ransomware attacks, exceeding previous years’ figures.
LockBit, despite its takedown earlier in 2024, remained a prominent threat actor, responsible for 526 attacks. RansomHub emerged as a significant threat in the latter half of the year, contributing 501 attacks to the overall count. Lockbit was then reported to have returned with improved encryptors.
This demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of cybercriminal groups.
“The cybersecurity landscape in 2024 presented unprecedented challenges,” stated Matt Hull, Global Head of Threat Intelligence at NCC Group.
“The scale and complexity of cyber incidents tested the resilience of businesses and institutions globally.”
NCC Group’s Cyber Threat Intelligence Report Reveals 79% Ransomware Attacks Occurring in North America and Europe
The report reveals a geographical concentration of attacks, with 79% occurring in North America and Europe. North America alone accounted for 55% of global attacks.
However, an increase was also observed in Asia, South America, and Oceania, potentially linked to geopolitical tensions and lucrative ransomware payouts.
The industrial sector suffered the most significant impact, experiencing 27% of all attacks—a 15% increase compared to the previous year. This surge caused substantial disruptions to services and infrastructure, underscoring the vulnerability of critical national infrastructure (CNI).
International efforts, including operations like Cronos, Magnus, Destabilise, and Serengeti, have been deployed to combat these threats.
However, the rapid resurgence of groups like LockBit—resuming operations just five days after being taken down—highlights the need for stronger preventative measures from governments and law enforcement.
Looking ahead, Hull identified several key concerns. “Key concerns such as third-party compromises, cloud vulnerabilities, and insecure APIs remain critical,” he warned.
“We also can’t ignore the rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) that are giving rise to new cybercriminal tactics. And the geopolitical dimension of cyber security adds to the ever-changing threat landscape, with nation-states posing significant risks to critical infrastructure.”
Hull emphasized the need for proactive measures. “In the face of these challenges, businesses, governments, and individuals must stay vigilant and proactive,” he concluded. “By understanding the risks and acting today, we can collectively work towards a more secure digital future.”
The NCC Group’s cyber threat intelligence underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity strategies to mitigate the growing threat of ransomware.
