Ransomware attacks in 2024 have become a major problem, growing faster and more dangerous than ever before. Hackers are no longer using simple methods. They now run advanced attacks on businesses, governments, and important industries. They often demand payment more than once and threaten to leak private data, causing huge financial and trust issues for victims. In this blog post, we’ll explore the major ransomware attacks of 2024, their far-reaching effects, and actionable steps your organization can take to improve its cybersecurity defenses.
The Growing Threat of RaaS [Ransomware-as-a-Service]
The rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) has changed the way ransomware attacks happen. In this model, experienced developers sell their ransomware tools to less-skilled attackers, who then carry out the attacks. The attackers usually keep up to 80% of the ransom money while the developers get the rest.
This has made ransomware attacks easier to carry out, more widespread, and more profitable. One of the most active RaaS groups, LockBit, has been responsible for thousands of cyberattacks around the world, collecting over USD 200 million in Bitcoin ransom payments since 2022. Moreover, many CVEs were manipulated by Ransomware Groups in 2024, which affected businesses around the world.
Even though law enforcement agencies, like the UK’s National Crime Agency, have tried to stop them, ransomware groups keep evolving and becoming harder to stop, making the threat even more serious.
Top 10 Victims of Ransomware Attacks in 2024
Victims of ransomware attacks have faced an evolving range of threats in recent years. Here are some of the main targets of the ransomware attacks in 2024:
1. Krispy Kreme [November 29]
Krispy Kreme was hit by a ransomware attack on November 29, causing problems with online orders and deliveries. In December, the company reported losing money due to the attack, including costs for fixing the issue. The Play ransomware group claimed responsibility and threatened to leak stolen data. By December 30, the company restored online services.
2. Blue Yonder [November 22]
Blue Yonder, a supply chain company, faced a ransomware attack on November 22, disrupting its services for clients like Starbucks and Sainsbury’s. Some clients, like Morrisons, had to rebuild their systems. By December 12, most services were restored, and Blue Yonder is now improving its cybersecurity.
3. Port of Seattle [August 24]
On August 24, the Port of Seattle suffered a ransomware attack, affecting airport operations like baggage checks and flight displays. Some systems were still offline two weeks later. The Rhysida ransomware group claimed responsibility and threatened to release stolen data. The Port refused to pay the ransom and worked on restoring services.
4. McLaren Health Care [August 5]
McLaren Health Care was hit by a ransomware attack on August 5, disrupting non-emergency procedures and cancer care. Patients had to bring printed records to appointments because systems were offline. The Alphv/BlackCat group claimed responsibility. Operations were back to normal by August 27.
5. CDK Global [June 18]
On June 18, CDK Global, a tech company for car dealerships, faced a ransomware attack that shut down its systems. While fixing the problem, they were hit by another attack. The BlackSuit ransomware group claimed responsibility. CDK restored all systems by July 4.
6. Cleveland City Government [June 10]
A ransomware attack on June 10 forced Cleveland’s city hall to shut down for 11 days. Residents couldn’t pay bills or apply for permits. The city refused to pay the ransom and investigated the incident. By December, no data breach was reported.
7. Ascension [May 8]
On May 8, Ascension, a healthcare system, reported a ransomware attack that disrupted electronic health records and phone lines. Some hospitals had to send ambulances elsewhere, and patients struggled to schedule procedures. The attack affected hospitals across 17 states.
8. Change Healthcare [February 21]
On February 21, Change Healthcare, a UnitedHealth Group company, faced a huge ransomware attack. Hackers used a weak point in the system to get in. The company paid $22 million to the Alphv/BlackCat group, but patient care and billing were disrupted for months. Data for 100 million people was stolen, making it one of the biggest U.S. data breaches.
9. Veolia North America [January 19]
On January 19, Veolia North America reported a ransomware attack that happened a week earlier. The attack disrupted billing systems, but water treatment services were safe. By February, Veolia alerted people whose data might have been affected. No hacker group claimed responsibility.
10. LoanDepot Ransomware Attack [January 8]
LoanDepot revealed a ransomware attack on January 8, where hackers accessed its systems from January 3 to 5, encrypting data and disrupting loan services. The breach impacted 16.6 million individuals, exposing personal information like Social Security numbers and financial information. The Alphv/BlackCat group claimed responsibility before law enforcement disrupted their activities in 2024.
Ransomware Trends Expected to Persist in 2025
The ransomware threat might continue to evolve in 2025. Here’s what we can expect going forward:
- Ransomware Groups’ Growing Sophistication: Ransomware groups will continue to become more advanced, making it harder for law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to keep up.
- Use of Artificial Intelligence by Attackers: Ransomware groups will use artificial intelligence to automate attacks and improve the effectiveness of phishing attempts.
- Shift to Targeting Cloud Services: As more businesses move to the cloud, ransomware will increasingly target cloud-native applications and services.
Measures to Control Ransomware Attacks in the Future
Here are some safety measures to implement before facing a potential ransomware attack in 2025.
- Importance of Public-Private Partnerships: Partnerships with organizations like TRM Labs will be crucial for tracking ransom payments and dismantling ransomware operations.
- Stricter Cybersecurity Regulations: Governments must implement stricter cybersecurity regulations, particularly for critical sectors such as healthcare and finance.
- Proactive Measures for High-Risk Industries: High-risk industries will need to adopt proactive cybersecurity measures like advanced endpoint protection, regular patching, and employee cybersecurity training.
- Increased Investment in Post-Attack Recovery Services: Organizations will invest more in recovery services such as takedown solutions and data restoration to minimize the impact of attacks.
Winding Up
The ransomware trends of 2024 highlight the rapid adaptability of cybercriminals. To stay protected, businesses must act quickly by enhancing cybersecurity, educating employees, and collaborating with industry peers and law enforcement. By understanding these methods followed by ransomware groups, organizations must effectively prepare for the challenges that 2025 and beyond will bring.
