2023 marks the year with the highest number of organizations affected by ransomware attacks. According to Statista, over 72% of organizations globally have fallen victim to ransomware attacks in 2023, a gradual rise over the last five years. In addition, each year since 2018, more than half of the respondents in the same survey reported that their organizations faced ransomware attacks. In terms of industries worldwide, the manufacturing industry seems to be frequently hit by ransomware attacks, with compromised credentials being the leading cause behind these attacks in 2023.

Businesses worldwide affected by ransomware 2018-2023

Published by Ani Petrosyan, Mar 28, 2024

As of 2023, over 72 percent of businesses worldwide were affected by ransomware attacks. This figure represents an increase on the previous five years and was by far the highest figure reported. Overall, since 2018, more than half of the total survey respondents each year stated that their organizations had been victimized by ransomware.

Most targeted industries

In 2023, the healthcare industry in the United States was once again most targeted by ransomware attacks. This industry also suffers most data breaches as a consequence of cyberattacks. The critical manufacturing industry ranked second by the number of ransomware attacks, followed by the government facilities industry.

Ransomware in the manufacturing industry

The manufacturing industry, along with its subindustries, is constantly targeted by ransomware attacks, causing data loss, business disruptions, and reputational damage. Often, such cyberattacks are international and have a political intent. In 2023, compromised credentials were the leading cause of ransomware attacks in the manufacturing industry.