In 2023, organizations all around the world detected 317.59 million ransomware attempts. Overall, this number decreased significantly between the third and fourth quarters of 2022, going from around 102 million to nearly 155 million cases, respectively. Ransomware attacks usually target organizations that collect large amounts of data and are critically important. In case of an attack, these organizations prefer paying the ransom to restore stolen data rather than to report the attack immediately. The incidents of data loss also damage companies’ reputation, which is one of the reasons why ransomware attacks are not reported. Most targeted industries and regions As a part of critical infrastructure, the manufacturing industry is usually targeted by ransomware attacks. In 2022, manufacturing organizations worldwide saw 437 such attacks. The food and beverage industry ranked second, with over 50 ransomware attacks. By the share of ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure, North America ranked first among other worldwide regions, followed by Europe. Healthcare and public health sector organizations filed the highest number of complaints to the U.S. law enforcement in 2022 about ransomware attacks. Ransomware as a service (RaaS) The Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) business model has existed for over a decade. The model involves hackers and affiliates. Hackers develop ransomware attack models and sell them to affiliates. The latter then use them independently to attack targets. According to the business model, the hacker who created the RaaS receives a service fee per collected ransom. In the first quarter of 2022, there were 31 Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) extortion groups worldwide, compared to the 19 such groups in the same quarter of 2021.

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.

📌 Context of the Dataset

The Healthcare Ransomware Dataset was created to simulate real-world cyberattacks in the healthcare industry. Hospitals, clinics, and research labs have become prime targets for ransomware due to their reliance on real-time patient data and legacy IT infrastructure. This dataset provides insight into attack patterns, recovery times, and cybersecurity practices across different healthcare organizations.

Why is this important?

Ransomware attacks on healthcare organizations can shut down entire hospitals, delay treatments, and put lives at risk. Understanding how different healthcare organizations respond to attacks can help develop better security strategies. The dataset allows cybersecurity analysts, data scientists, and researchers to study patterns in ransomware incidents and explore predictive modeling for risk mitigation.

📌 Sources and Research Inspiration This simulated dataset was inspired by real-world cybersecurity reports and built using insights from official sources, including:

1️⃣ IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report (2024)

The healthcare sector had the highest average cost of data breaches ($10.93 million per incident). On average, organizations recovered only 64.8% of their data after paying ransom. Healthcare breaches took 277 days on average to detect and contain.

2️⃣ Sophos State of Ransomware in Healthcare (2024)

67% of healthcare organizations were hit by ransomware in 2024, an increase from 60% in 2023. 66% of backup compromise attempts succeeded, making data recovery significantly more difficult. The most common attack vectors included exploited vulnerabilities (34%) and compromised credentials (34%).

3️⃣ Health & Human Services (HHS) Cybersecurity Reports

Ransomware incidents in healthcare have doubled since 2016. Organizations that fail to monitor threats frequently experience higher infection rates.

4️⃣ Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Alerts

Identified phishing, unpatched software, and exposed RDP ports as top ransomware entry points. Only 13% of healthcare organizations monitor cyber threats more than once per day, increasing the risk of undetected attacks.

5️⃣ Emsisoft 2020 Report on Ransomware in Healthcare

The number of ransomware attacks in healthcare increased by 278% between 2018 and 2023. 560 healthcare facilities were affected in a single year, disrupting patient care and emergency services.

📌 Why is This a Simulated Dataset?

This dataset does not contain real patient data or actual ransomware cases. Instead, it was built using probabilistic modeling and structured randomness based on industry benchmarks and cybersecurity reports.

How It Was Created:

1️⃣ Defining the Dataset Structure

The dataset was designed to simulate realistic attack patterns in healthcare, using actual ransomware case studies as inspiration.

Columns were selected based on what real-world cybersecurity teams track, such as: Attack methods (phishing, RDP exploits, credential theft). Infection rates, recovery time, and backup compromise rates. Organization type (hospitals, clinics, research labs) and monitoring frequency.

2️⃣ Generating Realistic Data Using ChatGPT & Python

ChatGPT assisted in defining relationships between attack factors, ensuring that key cybersecurity concepts were accurately reflected. Python’s NumPy and Pandas libraries were used to introduce randomized attack simulations based on real-world statistics. Data was validated against industry research to ensure it aligns with actual ransomware attack trends.

3️⃣ Ensuring Logical Relationships Between Data Points

Hospitals take longer to recover due to larger infrastructure and compliance requirements. Organizations that track more cyber threats recover faster because they detect attacks earlier. Backup security significantly impacts recovery time, reflecting the real-world risk of backup encryption attacks.

These latest ransomware statistics show how much damage is caused by attacks and the emerging trends you need to be aware of.

Here are the most important ransomware statistics you need to know about the attacks, demands, payments and consequences that can occur.

While every industry is affected by ransomware attacks, the truth is that some industries are more susceptible than others. This is the full breakdown of the top 15 sectors most targeted by malware.

On average, 37% of organisations globally were victims of a ransomware attack between January and February 2021. The top 15 countries that were affected the most were...

From 2021 to 2024, the share of financial institutions worldwide experiencing ransomware attacks has increased significantly. In 2024, roughly 65 percent of financial organizations worldwide reported experiencing a ransomware attack, compared to 64 percent in 2023 and 34 percent in 2021.

Different types of ransomware are more common than others and more likely to affect your cybersecurity. The top 5 most common types of ransomware strains are...

The following ransomware statistics detail which industries get attacked the most and which countries are most likely to be targeted.

In 2023, 143 significant ransomware attacks were detected in Europe, marking a 31 percent increase from 109 known major ransomware attacks in the previous year. Meanwhile, the figures do not represent the overall number of ransomware attacks in the region. Furthermore, in 2022 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) remained the primary target for ransomware actors.

The main goal of any ransomware attacker is to hold people to ransom by not releasing their data until they get paid. But is it actually a good idea to pay the ransom? Here’s what the ransomware statistics tell us about organisations that paid up.

In 2023, manufacturing was the industry most targeted by ransomware attacks. Companies in this sector saw *** ransomware attacks in the examined year. The industrial control systems sector ranked second, with *** incidents. Organizations in the transportation sector were the next-most targeted, seeing ** ransomware attacks in the measured year.

Here are the leading causes of ransomware attacks today.

Impact of ransomware incidents on the business or organization over the last 12 months, by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), business employment size, type of business, business activity and majority ownership, third quarter of 2023.

In 2023, ransomware was the most frequently detected cyberattack worldwide, with around 70 percent of all detected cyberattacks. Network breaches ranked second, with almost 19 percent of the detections. Although less frequently, data exfiltration was also among the detected cyberattacks.

On average, ** percent of organizations worldwide were victims of a ransomware attack between January and February 2024, according to a survey conducted among cybersecurity leaders of worldwide organizations. France ranked first by the ransomware rate in companies, with ** percent reporting having encountered such an attack in the last 12 months. Companies in South Africa, Italy, and Austria followed, with up to ** percent of the organizations experiencing ransomware attacks.

Nearly 12 percent of surveyed healthcare organizations in the United States experienced ransomware attacks in 2023. Furthermore, nearly 76 percent said they did not experience ransomware attacks in 2023.

Ransomware File Decryptor Market Outlook

The global ransomware file decryptor market size is anticipated to grow from USD 1.2 billion in 2023 to USD 4.8 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.5% during the forecast period. This robust growth is primarily driven by the increasing frequency and sophistication of ransomware attacks, compelling organizations across various sectors to invest substantially in ransomware file decryptor solutions.

The proliferation of ransomware attacks has surged dramatically over the past few years, becoming one of the most prevalent and damaging types of cybercrime. The increased reliance on digital platforms and remote work arrangements has expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals, making organizations more vulnerable. This heightened threat landscape is a significant growth factor for the ransomware file decryptor market, as businesses seek to mitigate the risks associated with data breaches and financial losses. Moreover, the rising volume of sensitive data being stored and transmitted electronically necessitates robust cybersecurity measures, further propelling market growth.

Another pivotal growth driver is the stringent regulatory environment that mandates data protection and cybersecurity compliance. Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide have implemented rigorous data security laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States. These regulations compel organizations to adopt comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks, including ransomware file decryptor solutions, to avoid hefty fines and legal repercussions. Additionally, the increasing awareness among enterprises about the financial and reputational damage caused by ransomware attacks is fostering the adoption of these solutions.

The rapid advancement in ransomware attack techniques, including the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning by cybercriminals, further necessitates the adoption of advanced ransomware file decryptor tools. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the need for proactive and reactive measures to counteract these sophisticated threats. Innovations in cybersecurity technologies, including the development of more effective and efficient decryption tools, are also contributing to market expansion. The integration of AI and machine learning in ransomware file decryptors is enhancing their capability to counteract evolving ransomware strains, thereby driving market growth.

Regionally, North America holds a significant share in the ransomware file decryptor market, driven by the high incidence of ransomware attacks and stringent regulatory frameworks. The presence of major cybersecurity vendors and the early adoption of advanced cyber defense solutions in the region further bolster its market dominance. Europe also represents a substantial market share, attributed to the stringent data protection regulations and the increasing frequency of cyberattacks. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period, fueled by the rapid digital transformation, increasing cyber threats, and growing investments in cybersecurity infrastructure.

Component Analysis

The ransomware file decryptor market can be segmented by component into software and services. The software segment comprises various types of decryption tools designed to unlock files encrypted by ransomware. These solutions are increasingly sophisticated, utilizing advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques to identify and reverse the encryption methods used by ransomware. The demand for software solutions is driven by their efficiency, ease of deployment, and the ability to provide rapid decryption, minimizing downtime and data loss. As ransomware attacks become more advanced, the continuous development and innovation in decryption software are essential to keep pace with emerging threats.

On the other hand, the services segment includes professional services such as incident response, consulting, and managed security services. These services are crucial for organizations that lack the in-house expertise to deal with complex ransomware attacks. Incident response teams provide immediate support to organizations under attack, helping to contain the breach, assess the damage, and recover data using decryption tools. Consulting services offer strategic guidance on cybersecurity practices and help organizations develop robust defense mechanisms. Managed security services provide ongoing monitoring and threat detection, ensuring cont

Ransomware Protection Market Outlook

The global ransomware protection market size is projected to grow from USD 15.1 billion in 2023 to USD 43.4 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6% during the forecast period. This impressive growth rate is driven by the increasing incidences of ransomware attacks across various sectors, necessitating advanced protection solutions. The significant rise in digital transformations, combined with the proliferation of smart devices and the internet of things (IoT), has exposed vulnerabilities that cybercriminals are exploiting, thereby propelling the demand for robust ransomware protection measures.

A primary growth factor for the ransomware protection market is the surging number of cyber-attacks targeting organizations worldwide. As businesses continue to adopt digital technologies, they become more susceptible to sophisticated ransomware attacks, which can decrypt data and halt operations until a ransom is paid. The financial and reputational damages associated with such breaches drive organizations to invest heavily in advanced ransomware protection solutions. Furthermore, the increasing complexity of ransomware strains necessitates more robust and comprehensive security strategies encompassing prevention, detection, and response mechanisms.

Another significant driver is the stringent regulatory landscape governing data protection across various regions. Governments and regulatory bodies have instituted stringent data protection laws and compliance requirements, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States. These regulations mandate organizations to implement robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard against data breaches, thereby fueling the demand for ransomware protection solutions. Non-compliance can result in substantial fines and legal repercussions, incentivizing businesses to adopt advanced security frameworks.

The increasing adoption of cloud computing and remote working models further bolsters the ransomware protection market. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards remote working, leading to an increased reliance on cloud infrastructure. While cloud services offer numerous benefits, they also present new security challenges, as data becomes accessible from various locations and devices. This shift has underscored the need for comprehensive ransomware protection solutions that can secure cloud environments and remote endpoints against potential threats, ensuring business continuity and data integrity.

From a regional perspective, North America is anticipated to hold the largest market share during the forecast period. The region's dominance can be attributed to the high incidence of cyber-attacks, substantial investments in cybersecurity infrastructure, and the presence of major industry players. Additionally, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate, driven by the rapid digitalization of economies, increasing awareness about cybersecurity threats, and government initiatives to bolster cybersecurity frameworks. The growing number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region also contributes to the rising demand for ransomware protection solutions.

Component Analysis

The ransomware protection market is segmented by component into software and services. Within the software segment, various specialized solutions such as anti-ransomware software, encryption tools, and backup and recovery solutions play critical roles in safeguarding against ransomware attacks. Anti-ransomware software focuses on detecting and preventing ransomware from encrypting files and locking systems. Advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly integrated into these software solutions to identify and mitigate ransomware threats dynamically. Encryption tools, on the other hand, protect data by converting it into unreadable formats, ensuring that even if data is accessed unauthorizedly, it remains unusable.

Backup and recovery solutions are indispensable components of ransomware protection strategies. These solutions ensure that organizations can recover their data without succumbing to ransom demands. By maintaining secure, regular backups of critical data, businesses can restore their systems to a pre-attack state, minimizing operational disruptions and financial losses. The growing sophistication of backup solutions, featuring automatic backups, cloud integration, and real-time recovery capabilities, underscores their importance in comprehe