General Ransomware Statistics
Ransomware remains one of the most prevalent and damaging types of cyberattacks.
- Ransomware attacks occur every 11 seconds in 2025. This represents a significant increase from one attack every 39 seconds in 2019. (Cybersecurity Ventures)
- The global cost of ransomware damage will reach $30 billion in 2025. Businesses lose money through downtime, data recovery, and ransom payments. (Statista)
- 66% of organizations experienced at least one ransomware attack in 2024. More businesses are becoming targets, regardless of size or industry. (Sophos)
- 95% of ransomware attacks target backups and cloud storage. Attackers aim to cripple organizations by encrypting critical data. (Veritas)
- $10 million is the average ransom demand in large-scale ransomware incidents. Ransom amounts have grown significantly in recent years. (Coveware)
Ransomware Costs and Financial Impact
The financial toll of ransomware is staggering, affecting businesses, individuals, and governments.
- The average cost of recovering from a ransomware attack is $4.4 million. This includes ransom payments, recovery efforts, and downtime costs. (IBM Security)
- Ransom payments averaged $812,360 in 2025. Many businesses pay to restore operations quickly, despite security experts advising against it. (Coveware)
- Ransomware downtime costs businesses $5,600 per minute. Operational disruptions result in significant financial losses. (Ponemon Institute)
- 43% of ransomware victims never recover all their data, even after paying the ransom. Paying doesn’t guarantee attackers will decrypt the data. (Sophos)
- The healthcare sector spent $9 billion on ransomware recovery in 2024. Hospitals and clinics face critical consequences when systems are disrupted. (FBI Internet Crime Report)
Ransomware Attack Methods
Attackers use various methods to infiltrate systems, often exploiting vulnerabilities and human error.
- Phishing accounts for 41% of ransomware attack vectors. Employees clicking on malicious links or downloading infected attachments remain the top entry point. (Verizon)
- 29% of ransomware attacks exploit unpatched vulnerabilities. Outdated software and systems provide easy access for cybercriminals. (CISA)
- Credential theft is responsible for 20% of ransomware infections. Weak or stolen passwords allow attackers to access sensitive systems. (Statista)
- Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) is used in 62% of attacks. This business model allows inexperienced hackers to rent ransomware tools and infrastructure. (Sophos)
- 57% of ransomware attacks leverage remote desktop protocol (RDP) vulnerabilities. Poorly secured remote access points are a common target for attackers. (Microsoft Security)
Industries Most Targeted by Ransomware
While all sectors are vulnerable, certain industries face higher risks due to the sensitive nature of their data.
- Healthcare is the most targeted industry, with 36% of ransomware attacks in 2024. Patient data is highly valuable, and downtime in healthcare settings can be life-threatening. (IBM Security)
- Education accounts for 15% of ransomware attacks. Schools and universities are targeted for their sensitive student data and less robust cybersecurity defenses. (Ponemon Institute)
- Financial services face 13% of ransomware attacks. Banks and financial institutions are targeted for monetary gain and access to customer data. (Verizon)
- Government agencies are targeted in 12% of ransomware incidents. Cybercriminals often aim to disrupt critical infrastructure or extract high ransoms. (FBI Internet Crime Report)
- Manufacturing accounts for 11% of ransomware attacks. Disrupting supply chains and production lines causes significant financial and operational damage. (Sophos)
Ransomware in Remote Work Environments
Remote work has introduced new vulnerabilities, making organizations more susceptible to ransomware.
- 58% of ransomware attacks target remote work setups. Unsecured home networks and personal devices create entry points for attackers. (Gartner)
- 43% of organizations report ransomware attacks involving VPN vulnerabilities. Poorly configured or outdated VPNs put remote teams at risk. (Forbes)
- Remote desktop protocol (RDP) attacks increased by 33% in 2025. RDP misconfigurations remain a key vulnerability in hybrid work environments. (Microsoft Security)
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) reduces ransomware risks by 50%. Implementing MFA prevents unauthorized access to systems and accounts. (Statista)
- 77% of remote workers have not received ransomware awareness training. Educating employees on how to identify and avoid threats is critical for prevention. (Sophos)
Regional Ransomware Trends
Ransomware activity varies across regions, influenced by cybersecurity infrastructure and economic factors.
- North America experiences 40% of all ransomware attacks. The U.S. remains a primary target due to its high number of businesses and valuable data. (Statista)
- Europe accounts for 28% of ransomware incidents. Stricter GDPR enforcement has reduced attacks but not eliminated them entirely. (Deloitte)
- Asia-Pacific faces 22% of ransomware attacks. The region’s rapid digital transformation creates vulnerabilities for businesses and governments. (Cybersecurity Ventures)
- Latin America saw a 30% increase in ransomware attacks in 2024. Limited cybersecurity infrastructure makes organizations in this region attractive targets. (IBM Security)
- The Middle East and Africa experience 10% of global ransomware attacks. Oil, gas, and government organizations are the most commonly targeted sectors. (PwC)
Ransomware Prevention and Response
Organizations are increasingly investing in strategies to mitigate the risk of ransomware attacks.
- Employee training reduces ransomware incidents by 60%. Educating staff on recognizing phishing and other attack methods is one of the most effective defenses. (Ponemon Institute)
- Regular patching and updates prevent 57% of ransomware infections. Keeping software up to date eliminates vulnerabilities commonly exploited by attackers. (CISA)
- Backing up data reduces ransomware recovery time by 85%. Secure, offline backups are critical for mitigating downtime and restoring operations. (Veritas)
- Endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools reduce ransomware detection time by 40%. EDR solutions provide real-time monitoring and automated responses. (Gartner)
- Implementing a Zero Trust security model decreases ransomware risks by 30%. Strict access controls and continuous verification minimize vulnerabilities. (Forbes)
Ransomware Predictions for 2025 and Beyond
Ransomware threats will continue to evolve, with new trends expected to shape the cybersecurity landscape.
- Ransomware damages are projected to exceed $42 billion annually by 2030. The growing sophistication of attacks will increase financial impacts. (Cybersecurity Ventures)
- AI-driven ransomware attacks will rise by 25% by 2026. Attackers will leverage AI to create more convincing phishing emails and bypass security measures. (Statista)
- Ransomware targeting critical infrastructure will increase by 35%. Energy grids, healthcare systems, and government agencies remain high-value targets. (Ponemon Institute)
- Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) operations will grow by 40%. RaaS platforms make it easier for less-skilled attackers to launch sophisticated campaigns. (Sophos)
- Organizations adopting proactive ransomware defenses will reduce attack success rates by 50%. Investments in training, tools, and policies will pay off in improved security. (Gartner)