Ransomware attacks on industrial firms increased by 87% in 2022

Hackers make untold millions every year from companies forced to pay up to regain access to systems and data that have been held ransom. Many are even getting burned twice, cybersecurity experts say. — dpa

Ransomware attacks against industrial organisations increased by 87% in 2022 from the year before, with most malicious software targeting the manufacturing sector, according to findings published on Feb 14.

Hackers last year targeted mining industries in Australia and New Zealand, and continued their focus on renewable energy companies in the US and the European Union, the cybersecurity firm Dragos Inc said in a report. Attackers also increased or accelerated their attacks on energy, food, water, electrical and natural gas sectors, the company determined.