Ransomware hackers have stolen more than 30 terabytes (TB) of personal and other sensitive data throughout more than 300 attacks in 2022.

The data, collected by Atlas VPN, found that in January alone, ransomware hackers stole 5TB of personal data. Ransomware attacks in February locked businesses out of 7TB of data.

Data also revealed that hackers used ransomware to steal 16TB of personal data during through March, the most out of all months.

In April, ransomware hackers locked a further 3TB of data. While during May, the total amount of stolen personal data through ransomware attacks accumulated to 34TB and remained the same until the end of June.

Cybersecurity writer at Atlas VPN Vilius Kardelis commented: “Ransomware has become more efficient and devastating in its attacks. Businesses should be prepared for their most confidential information to be taken and potentially exposed or sold on the internet.

“To mitigate the impact of ransomware attacks, companies must build resilience and report the cases to competent authorities.”

Ransomware continues to be a looming threat for businesses. Throughout the first half of 2022, firms suffered 320 ransomware incidents.

In January, businesses reported 25 ransomware incidents. Next month, attacks increased by 116% to 54 incidents. Hackers performed 92 attacks against companies in March, bringing the total incident count in the first quarter of 2022 to 171.

The second quarter started with 113 total ransomware attacks in April, the most so far. Despite that, businesses suffered 32 incidents in May, about 72% less than the previous month. Throughout June, hackers attacked businesses with ransomware just four times.

Recommended

• DIGIT Deal Roundup | July 2022
• Edinburgh data science consultancy Optima Partners raises £2.3m
• DDoS attack durations see sharp rise throughout Q2 2022

Research from September last year found that two-thirds of organisations have been targeted by at least one ransomware attack.

Previously, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre warned that increasingly sophisticated ransomware attacks are putting UK organisations at risk.

As their ‘business model’ matures, ransomware gangs are posing a growing threat to organisations of all sizes.

Research from Fortinet’s 2021 Global State of Ransomware Report, found that 94% of the 455 business leaders surveyed said they were concerned about ransomware threats, with 76% saying they were very or extremely concerned.

Get the latest news from DIGIT direct to your inbox

Our newsletter covers the latest technology and IT news from Scotland and beyond, as well as in-depth features and exclusive interviews with leading figures and rising stars.

To subscribe, click here.