• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

My TechDecisions

  • COVID-19 Update
  • Best of Tech Decisions
  • Topics
    • Video
    • Audio
    • Mobility
    • Unified Communications
    • IT Infrastructure
    • Network Security
    • Physical Security
    • Facility
    • Compliance
  • RFP Resources
  • Resources
  • Podcasts
  • Subscribe
  • Project of the Week
  • Latest News
  • About Us
    SEARCH
IT Infrastructure, Network Security, News

Yes, Ransomware Attacks Are Increasing At An Alarming Rate

Ransomware attacks have increased 151% over the first half of 2021, according to a new report from SonicWall.

August 3, 2021 Zachary Comeau Leave a Comment

Average Ransomware Payment 2021

Ransomware and other cyberattacks have been front and center in news cycles of late, but is the issue just getting more attention, thus the renewed emphasis on stopping it?

That answer is an emphatic ‘no,’ according to SonicWall, which says in a new report that ransomware attacks skyrocketed in the first half of 2021, surpassing the entire volume for 2020 in just six months.

According to SonicWall’s 2021 Cyber Threat Report, there have been a total of 304.7 million global ransomware attacks, which is already more than the 304.6 million total from last year. That’s good enough for year-to-date increase of 151%.

The last three months helped put us over the edge, as April, May and June were record highs, including 789.4 million in June alone.

“The continued rise of ransomware, cryptojacking and other unique forms of malware targeted at monetization, along with their evolution of tactics, are evidence that cybercriminal activity always follows the money and rapidly adapts to new opportunities and changing environments,” said SonicWall Vice President of Platform Architecture Dmitriy Ayrapetov.

Read Next: Ransomware Is Now More Than Just Data Encryption

The U.S. in particular saw a heavy increase in ransomware volume, a spike of 185%. The country was the most targeted, followed by the U.K., Germany, South Africa and Brazil.

Florida was the most targeted state with 111.1 million ransomware attacks, more than four times as many as the next state, New York, with 26.4 million attacks. Idaho, (20.5 million), Louisiana (8.8 million) and Rhode Island (8.8 million) followed.

Several sectors also saw massive spikes in ransomware volume, with government (917%), education (615%), healthcare (594%) and retail (264%).

The report also found that new malware variants are being discovered and IoT devices remain vulnerable to compromise.

In a statement, SonicWall President and CEO Bill Conner said cybercriminals are accelerating attacks and embracing ransomware to sow discord, profit and capitalize on the continued emphasis on remote work.

“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,” he said.

Tagged With: ransomware, SonicWall

Related Content:

  • Log4j, Most Exploited Vulnerabilities Log4Shell Exploitation Continues, Agencies Warn
  • Microsoft TAP Microsoft Releases Temporary Access Pass For Time-Limited Passcodes
  • Owl Labs' Meeting Owl 3 Owl Labs Launches Meeting Owl 3 Camera Device,…
  • Microsoft Servicing Profiles Admins Now Have More Control Over Microsoft 365…

Free downloadable guide you may like:

  • Windows 11Blueprint Series: Upgrading to Windows 11

    Upgrading end users to Windows 11 could be one of the most challenging tasks IT has to face in the coming years. Although the new version is touted to provide many benefits, including some important security enhancements, when and how to roll out the upgrade will vary significantly by organization.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get the FREE Tech Decisions eNewsletter

Sign up Today!

Latest Downloads

Windows 11
Blueprint Series: Upgrading to Windows 11

Upgrading end users to Windows 11 could be one of the most challenging tasks IT has to face in the coming years. Although the new version is touted...

The State of the IT Department in 2022

The role of the IT professional has shifted from one that supports the business to one that is deserving of a seat at the table when it comes to ma...

Hybrid Work Challenges
The Three Most Common Hybrid Work Challenges Two Years Into the Pandemic

Many of us have been working in a hybrid environment for two years now. Our editors thought this would be a good time to take a look at what’s work...

View All Downloads

Would you like your latest project featured on TechDecisions as Project of the Week?

Apply Today!
Sharp Microsoft Collaboration HQ Logo

Learn More About the
Windows Collaboration Display

More from Our Sister Publications

Get the latest news about AV integrators and Security installers from our sister publications:

Commercial IntegratorSecurity Sales

AV-iQ

Footer

TechDecisions

  • Home
  • Welcome to TechDecisions
  • Subscribe to the Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Media Solutions & Advertising
  • Comment Guidelines
  • RSS Feeds
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Linkedin

Free Technology Guides

FREE Downloadable resources from TechDecisions provide timely insight into the issues that IT, A/V, and Security end-users, managers, and decision makers are facing in commercial, corporate, education, institutional, and other vertical markets

View all Guides
TD Project of the Week

Get your latest project featured on TechDecisions Project of the Week. Submit your work once and it will be eligible for all upcoming weeks.

Enter Today!
Emerald Logo
ABOUTCAREERSAUTHORIZED SERVICE PROVIDERSTERMS OF USEPRIVACY POLICY

© 2022 Emerald X, LLC. All rights reserved.