Ransomware - it doesn't pay to pay

Cybereason has published the results of their third annual ransomware study, commissioned to better understand the true impact of ransomware to businesses.

  • Thursday, 22nd February 2024 Posted 2 months ago in by Phil Alsop

This global study reveals ransomware attacks are becoming more frequent, effective, and sophisticated:

56 percent of organisations surveyed suffered more than one ransomware attack in the last 24 months.

It still ‘doesn’t pay to pay’ as almost 80 percent of organisations who paid the ransom were hit a second time

82 percent were hit again within a year

63 percent were asked to pay again

The report ‘Ransomware: The True Cost to Business 2024’ further revealed that of the organisations who opted to pay a ransom in return for their encrypted systems, only 47 percent received their data and solutions back uncorrupted. These findings emphasise why it does not pay to pay ransomware attackers, and organisations should instead focus on detection and prevention tactics to end ransomware attacks before material damage occurs.

“This year’s research shows that, while most businesses have a ransomware strategy in place, many are incomplete. They’re either missing a documented plan, or the right people to execute it. As a result, we see that many organisations are paying the ransom. Likewise whilst many have cyber insurance, too many simply don’t know if, or to what degree it covers them for ransomware attacks. This is problematic on several levels. It’s no guarantee that attackers won’t sell your data on the black market, that you’ll even get your full files and systems back, or that you won’t be attacked again.” - Greg Day, Global Field CISO (VP), Cybereason.

Further key findings of the study include:

Attackers are evolving and the supply chain shows weakness - 56 percent didn’t detect a breach for 3-12 months, with 41 percent of the attackers getting in via a supply chain partner.

Attacker demands increase at every stage - 78 percent were breached a second time, with 63 percent being asked to pay more.

The true cost is staggering - 46 percent estimate total business losses of $1-10 million and 16 percent estimate total business losses of over $10 million. Not to mention the loss of revenue, brand damage, and layoffs that followed.

Businesses don’t have the right tools - Less than half said their businesses are adequately prepared for the next attack. Whilst 87 percent of organisations increased spend, only 41 percent feel they have the right people and plans in place to manage the next attack.

Emerging Tech Unpacked Report from Endava finds businesses are betting on generative AI, predictive analytics and big data.

AI tools see recorded develop uptake

Posted 17 hours ago by Phil Alsop
Over 40% of OutSystems developers use AI to guide them through the software development life cycle.
XM Cyber has released the findings of its third annual research report, Navigating the Paths of Risk: The State of Exposure Management.
Cato Networks has unveiled the findings of its inaugural Cato CTRL SASE Threat Report for Q1 2024. The report shows all organisations surveyed...
New survey commissioned by Auxilion and HPE reveals that UK-based enterprises using green technologies are spending on average £917,540 on this...
Consensus that social and environmental value ought to trump shareholder value.

Rising Cloud threats demand advanced defences

Posted 5 days ago by Phil Alsop
Report highlights how technological advancements breed stronger cloud threats as 91% express concern over emerging risks and zero-day attacks.

How Green is Your MSP?

Posted 6 days ago by Phil Alsop
Why sustainability is critical to future growth. By Andy Venables, Founder and CTO at POPX.