Security News > 2022 > February > How prepared are organizations to face email-based ransomware attacks?

The report reveals that attackers were more active in 2021 than 2020, with findings uncovering that 78% of organizations saw email-based ransomware attacks in 2021, while 77% faced business email compromise attacks, reflecting cybercriminals' continued focus on compromising people, as opposed to gaining access to systems through technical vulnerabilities.

In line with this, 68% of organizations said they dealt with at least one ransomware infection stemming from a direct email payload, second-stage malware delivery, or other exploit.

The year-over-year increase remains steady but representative of the challenges organizations faced as ransomware attacks surged in 2021.

"As email remains the favored attack method for cyber criminals, there is clear value in building a culture of security. In this evolving threat landscape and as work-from-anywhere becomes commonplace, it is critical that organizations empower their people and support their efforts to learn and apply new cyber skills, both at work and at home."

The shift to hybrid working accelerated in 2021, with 81% of organizations saying that more than half of their employees are working remotely due to the pandemic.

"The awareness gaps and lax security behaviors demonstrated by workers creates substantial risk for organizations and their bottom line. Our 2022 report offers actionable advice aimed at enhancing user awareness, reducing risk, and protecting people."

News URL

https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2022/02/28/email-based-ransomware-attacks/