Ransomware Damages to Rise to $6 Billion in 2017
Ransomware Damages to Rise to $6 Billion in 2017
The fastest-growing security threat is ransomware, which is expected to cause damages to grow to $6 billion in 2017.
Fastest Growing Threat
80% of the cyber-security professionals surveyed categorize ransomware—the fastest growing threat—as a moderate or extreme threat. 15% view it as a small threat ,and 5% don’t consider it a threat.
Frequency of Attacks
75% of organizations that experienced ransomware attacks were threatened five times during the past 12 months, while 25% suffered six or more attacks. Only 3% said they would pay the ransom or negotiate.
Future Attacks
75% of the survey respondents expect ransomware to be a larger threat during the next 12 months; 19% expect no change; and 6% expect the threat to diminish.
Expected Ransomware Attacks
44% of respondents assess their probability as a target as very or extremely likely, and 27% said an attack is moderately likely. Only 7% believe they won’t be a target in the next 12 months.
Common Ransomware Infection Vectors
Email and web use were the most common ransomware infection vectors. 73% of employees opened malicious email attachments, 54% responded to phishing emails and 28% visited a compromised website.
Endpoint Security Tool Detections
Most ransomware attacks were detected through endpoint security tools (83%), email and web gateways (54%), and intrusion detection systems (46%).
Most Effective Tactics to Block Ransomware
User awareness training: 77%,
Endpoint security solutions: 73%,
Patching of operating systems: 72%
Who’s Behind Ransom Attacks?
Organized cyber-criminals: 69%,
Opportunistic, non-organized hackers: 58%,
State-sponsored hacker: 28%
Worst Ransomware Strains
WannaCry: 83%,
CryptoLocker: 77%,
Petya: 67%,
CryptoWall: 43%,
Locky: 41%
Recovery From Ransom
51% of the cyber-security professionals surveyed said they could recover from a ransomware attack within a day, but 39% estimated it would take from 2 days to several weeks.
What Motivates Attackers?
86% of respondents said financial gain is the greatest motivator, and 58% named sabotage and disruption of business.
Obstacles to Ransomware Defense
Lack of budget: 52%,
Evolving sophistication of attacks: 42%,
Lack of human resources: 33%
Silver Lining
62% of the cyber-security professionals surveyed expect their ransomware security budget to increase.
