RiskRecon’s 10-year study of ransomware events highlights not just the scale of the threat, but the patterns that determine which organizations are most at risk. Here are six key lessons:

  1. Expect One in 100 Vendors to Be Hit Each Year
    Even if your defenses are strong, chances are high that a supplier will be breached, creating ripple effects for your business.

  2. Strong Cyber Hygiene = 5.3x Less Ransomware Risk
    Companies rated A by RiskRecon experienced ransomware at dramatically lower rates than those rated D or F. Hygiene matters.

  3. No Industry Is Safe
    Healthcare, education, city governments, and even casinos and cruise lines have all been targeted. Attackers look for opportunity, not industry.

  4. No Geography Is Spared
    Ransomware events were recorded in 134 countries—from the U.S. to remote island nations.

  5. Ransomware Doesn’t Take Holidays
    Attacks occur 24x7, with spikes on weekends and holidays when defenses are thin.

  6. Prepare for the Long Haul
    The number of active ransomware groups surged from just four in 2017 to 86 in 2024. The trend is upward, not slowing.

Taken together, these lessons point to one reality: ransomware is a systemic, persistent threat. But organizations that prioritize strong cyber hygiene and continuous monitoring significantly improve their resilience.

📄 Read the full report to explore the data behind each lesson.