Must-Know Ransomware Statistics for 2021 - EMPIST®

Ransomware Statistics for 2021 

Cybersecurity shifted in 2020 and will continue to evolve in 2021. One major concern for individuals and businesses alike is ransomware attacks. Ransomware attacks can completely halt your productivity and leave your data vulnerable. In this blog, we are going to cover some of the most prominent ransomware statistics to gain some insight into what to be aware of in 2021. 

Overview: What Is Ransomware?  

Ransomware comes in many forms, often posing as alarmist antivirus software, or a sketchy email file that essentially invades your machine, locks up your files, and holds them hostage for a ransom. In most cases paying the ransom does nothing and you won’t be able to uninstall the ransomware, or even use your machine. 

Must-Know Ransomware Statistics for 2021 

• The use of ransomware has increased by 239% from 2018-2019.  
• The cost to recover from a ransomware attack has increased by 228% from 2018-2019.  
• From Q1 to Q2 in 2020, ransomware attacks that involved a data breach increased by 22%. This is a major jump from the 8.77% increase during the previous quarter.  
• In just one quarter, the average payout per ransomware attacks from Q2 to Q3 in 2020 went up by 31%.  
• The payments due to a ransomware attack tripled from 2018 to 2019. 

Statistics Source: SentinelOne

What to Take Away from These Ransomware Statistics 

Now, more than ever, you need to be vigilant and be aware of things you are doing online and while opening emails. There’s been a significant increase in cyber-attacks since the COVID-19 pandemic and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. You need to protect your business and your personal security. 

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