Ransomware Report January 2025
An In-Depth Analysis of the Latest Ransomware Trends and Threat Landscape
Dive into the constantly shifting world of ransomware, as we uncover the latest tactics, dissect the most prolific actors, and offer insights to keep your organization one step ahead.
Welcome to the January 2025 ransomware update, highlighting the latest trends, threat actors, and significant developments shaping the ransomware landscape. The Black Kite Research & Intelligence Team (BRITE) tracked 546 ransomware incidents this month, marking a sharp increase compared to the roughly 300 cases recorded in January 2024.
North America remained the primary target with 274 incidents in the United States and 32 in Canada, while the United Kingdom and France also saw notable activity. Manufacturing was the most impacted sector, followed by technical services, breaking the typical slowdown trend often seen at the start of the year.
Clop led with 115 victims, driven largely by their exploitation of the CLEO vulnerability, while RansomHub and Lynx each recorded 42 victims, and Akira followed with 38. Meanwhile, FunkSec expanded its operations beyond ransomware, signaling broader ambitions, and a new site claiming ties to Babuk stirred speculation but lacked credibility.
The surge in incidents, combined with declining ransom payments and emerging regulatory responses, underscores how volatile and complex the ransomware ecosystem has become as 2025 begins.
RANSOMWARE THREAT ANALYSIS
Ransomware Perpetrators Unmasked!
In the complex world of cybercrime, identifying the culprits is key to understanding and mitigating the threat.
Our data showcases a diverse range of ransomware groups, each with their own unique tactics, techniques, and procedures.
The top three dominating the landscape are Play, RansomHub, and Akira. Each of these groups has a distinct modus operandi and target preference, painting a picture of a highly specialized and segmented market.
It’s important to remember, however, that while these groups grab the headlines, countless other smaller, yet equally dangerous groups are operating under the radar. By understanding the tactics of these leading groups, organizations can better anticipate potential threats and adapt their defenses accordingly.
Geographic Hotspots of Ransomware
Global Reach: Tracing Ransomware’s Impact Across Nations
Ransomware attacks are a global epidemic, but they disproportionately affect certain regions. The United States consistently tops the chart with the highest number of ransomware victims.
Following the US, UK and Canada are next on the list this month. Wealthy countries are generally favored targets due to their lucrative digital environments. Despite their wealth, some nations see fewer tracks, due to a sense of nationalism from the cybercriminal groups. This suggests the motivations of criminals vary from group to group, with some seeking financial gain and others making political statements.
Industry Breakdown
The distribution of ransomware attacks across industries highlights the varying degrees of cyber risk exposure.
Not all industries are targeted equally by ransomware groups. Our data shows that Manufacturing, Professional, Construction, and Healthcare bear the brunt of these attacks. The high value of data and often weaker cybersecurity defenses make these sectors particularly attractive targets. However, no industry is immune, and the ever-evolving nature of ransomware means that staying ahead of the curve is vital for all sectors. By understanding which industries are most targeted, we can infer the sectors that ransomware groups perceive as the most vulnerable or lucrative, helping to direct focus and resources in the ongoing fight against this cyber menace.
Geographical Preferences of Ransomware Groups
The geographical focus of ransomware groups reveals strategic patterns and preferences.
Each ransomware group has a unique footprint in terms of their geographical targets. The data shows that groups like LockBit 3.0, Hunters, and Play predominantly target specific regions.
Understanding these patterns can help nations and organizations to better anticipate and prepare for potential threats.
However, it’s critical to remember that cybercrime knows no borders, and organizations in all countries should remain vigilant against these rapidly evolving threats. The diversity in targeting underscores the global nature of the ransomware problem and the need for international cooperation in addressing it.
Geographical Preferences of Ransomware Groups
Ransomware Strikes: Industry-wide
Ransomware threats are industry-agnostic, but some sectors attract more attention than others.
Each ransomware group has a unique pattern of target selection, but some industries find themselves more frequently caught in the crosshairs. Based on our data, Manufacturing, Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, and Healthcare and Social Services often emerge as primary targets for ransomware attacks. For instance, one particular ransomware group, Lockbit 3.0, shows a discernible preference for Manufacturing. It’s critical for these industries to understand and anticipate these patterns, preparing robust defenses against potential threats. Remember, forewarned is indeed forearmed.
Ransomware Strikes: Industry-wide
Spotlight on Ransomware Indicators
Ransomware indicators expose exploited vulnerabilities, shaping our understanding of ransomware group tactics.
Leveraging the data-rich platform of Black Kite, we analyze ransomware indicators to identify common vulnerabilities that ransomware groups exploit. These indicators, including IP addresses, domains, or hashes, have been associated with our list of victims this month.
By shedding light on MX and DNS Misconfiguration, at least one credential leaked in the last 90 days, and at least one possible phishing domain, we highlight the cyber vulnerabilities ransomware groups actively exploit. Recognizing these indicators and taking prompt preventive measures can significantly strengthen an organization’s defenses against ransomware attacks.
Industry-wide RSI Breakdown
An Analysis of the average RSI values across industries provides a clear picture of industry-specific cyber risks.
In our continuous monitoring of hundreds of thousands of companies, we’ve computed the average RSI (Ransomware Susceptibility Index values for each industry. These values paint a comprehensive picture of the industry-specific cyber risks that organizations face. In this month’s analysis, Manufacturing, Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, and Healthcare show the highest average RSI values. The data suggests that these industries may have heightened exposure to ransomware threats and need to be especially proactive in bolstering their cybersecurity defenses.