Ransomware Attacks Increased by 9% In Q2, 2024
July 25, 2024 – Published on The HIPAA Journal
New data released by Guidepoint Security shows there has been a 9% quarter-over-quarter increase in ransomware attacks, with H1, 2024 attacks up by 5% compared to H1, 2023. Ransomware attacks typically increase from Q1 to Q2, and while 2024 is no different in that respect, the percentage increase was far lower than the 37% increase in attacks between Q1 2023 and Q2 2023.
The data analyzed by GuidePoint’s Research and Intelligence Team (GRIT) shows the number of active ransomware groups is growing, and those groups are attacking a much broader range of targets. The leading industries for ransomware attacks in Q2, 2024 were manufacturing, technology, and healthcare. Technology companies had the biggest increase in attacks, rising to 10% of attacks in the quarter, the highest placement for the sector since Q3, 2023. In Q2, 2024, the most active ransomware groups targeting the healthcare sector were LockBit, Bianlian, and Inc Ransom.
While the increase in attacks was relatively modest, the GRIT team notes that in H1, 2024, there was an international law enforcement operation that disrupted the LockBit ransomware group, one of the most prolific ransomware groups in recent years and the only ransomware group to retain its position as one of the top 5 ransomware groups year-over-year. Following the disruption, the number of attacks conducted by the group on U.S. targets fell from 56% of attacks before sanctions were imposed on LockBit by the United States in May 2024 to 45% after the sanctions.
The prolific ALPHV/Blackcat ransomware group shut down its operation this year following the massive attack on Change Healthcare. The researchers believe that the shutdown of that operation, along with the disruption of LockBit by law enforcement, have been key drivers behind the increase in the number of distinct ransomware groups, as many affiliates from LockBit and ALPHV/Blackcat have switched to other ransomware groups.
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