According to the data presented by the Atlas VPN team, ransomware attacks are up 151% in the first half of 2021, compared to the same time in 2020. The United States is the most ransomware-threatened country by a significant margin.
In the first half of 2020, there were a total of 121.4 million ransomware attacks across the world. The most significant ransomware attack in H1 2020 was the Maze ransomware outbreak in the Cognizant company’s network. The attack cost about $50-$70 million to the business in revenue loss, recovery, and relief efforts.
The first half of 2021 has already reached 304.7 million ransomware attack attempts making it the worst ever recorded year. The number is concerning considering only half of the year has passed and we already know it is the worst result yet.
Ransomware has continued to soar because more businesses are willing to pay a ransom to get their data back. That lets hackers know that their methods are working, and launching attacks will allow them to earn a quick buck.