A new report from the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) indicates a significant shift in the landscape of cyber threats in Europe, with Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks now surpassing ransomware in frequency. From July 2023 to June 2024, DDoS attacks constituted 41.1% of all cyber incidents reported in the EU, while ransomware attacks accounted for 25.8%. This dramatic rise in DDoS activity highlights the urgent need for enhanced defensive measures as threat actors exploit vulnerabilities in various sectors.
The report identified NoName057, a pro-Russian hacktivist group, as the most active cybercriminal organization, responsible for nearly 30.5% of all recorded cyberattacks. These attacks are often politically motivated and have surged in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with groups aligning themselves with either side of the geopolitical divide. DDoS attacks, while frequently viewed as nuisances, can disrupt essential services and serve as a powerful tool for political messaging.
Ransomware, although it has dropped to second place in terms of activity, remains a serious concern. LockBit, Cl0p, and PLAY are among the most prevalent ransomware strains still causing significant disruptions. Despite a drop in reported attacks, ransomware groups continue to claim around 1,000 incidents globally each quarter. The report suggests that the evolving tactics of cybercriminals, including the use of “double-dipping” strategies to re-victimize organizations, indicate a growing sophistication in their operations.
Moreover, the report highlights a concerning trend in data breaches, particularly in cloud environments, which have seen a 78% increase in incidents. ENISA’s findings emphasize the necessity for organizations to adopt robust cybersecurity practices, especially as the digital landscape becomes increasingly complex and interconnected. As cyber threats evolve, collaboration between governments, law enforcement, and cybersecurity agencies will be crucial in safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of essential services across Europe.
