Ransomware attacks are ending up being significantly common, with a large range of organizations and organizations succumbing to these data-encrypting malware attacks. While some ransomware attacks are extremely targeted and thoroughly planned out by cybercriminals, others are more opportunistic in nature. So, what percentage of ransomware attacks are targeted vs. opportunistic?
According to a current report from Symantec, roughly 1 in 5 ransomware attacks are targeted, while the remaining 4 out of 5 are opportunistic. This means that while a small minority of ransomware attacks are carried out against specific organizations or individuals, the vast bulk are random attacks that benefit from vulnerabilities in systems and networks.
Extra resources Targeted ransomware attacks are normally far more harmful than opportunistic attacks, as they are frequently carried out by more knowledgeable and sophisticated cybercriminals. Furthermore, targeted attacks are frequently more difficult to prevent, as they are typically tailored to exploit particular weaknesses in a target company's systems.
While opportunistic ransomware attacks can be harmful, they are typically less pricey and disruptive than targeted attacks. Furthermore, opportunistic attacks are typically more easily detected and avoided, as they often rely on recognized vulnerabilities that can be covered.
Organizations and individuals can assist protect themselves from both targeted and opportunistic ransomware attacks by keeping up to date on security spots, using strong security software, and backing up data routinely.