Europe faces wave of ransomware
- Cyberpeace Tech
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
The European continent is experiencing an alarming increase in ransomware attacks, where cybercriminals have turned digital crime into a profitable business. Through underground markets, criminals offer services such as “Malware as a Service” (MaaS), access to compromised networks, and phishing kits that facilitate data hijacking in a matter of hours.
According to recent reports on the threat landscape in Europe, 22% of global ransomware victims are located in that region, making it the second most affected target in the world, after North America.
In the last year alone, more than 2,000 European organizations were victims of digital extortion after suffering leaks of confidential information.
The United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain top the list of most attacked countries, with incidents involving data theft, file encryption, and threats of public disclosure. These types of crimes not only compromise business security but also cause large-scale economic losses and damage to trust.
State-sponsored threats
Various actors linked to the governments of Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran have intensified their activity in the European digital environment. These operations combine espionage, sabotage, and information manipulation for geopolitical purposes.
In the case of Russia, attacks have focused on Ukraine, affecting critical sectors such as the military and energy.
North Korea, on the other hand, has directed its offensives toward European financial and diplomatic entities, while China has concentrated its efforts on stealing intellectual property from technology and healthcare industries. Iran, for its part, has carried out phishing campaigns and DDoS attacks against media outlets and government entities.
The ransomware business
Criminal groups have developed an entire ecosystem around ransomware, where messaging platforms such as Telegram or Tox are used to coordinate operations, recruit collaborators, and sell stolen information. These networks not only sell malware, but also criminal services ready to execute large-scale attacks.
An emerging and worrying trend is “Violence as a Service”, where cybercriminals combine digital extortion with physical threats.
Cases of sabotage, arson, and assaults linked to cryptocurrency theft have been detected, demonstrating how digital and physical crime are beginning to merge.
Lessons for Mexico
Although the current focus is on Europe, this scenario should serve as a warning for Mexico. Rapid digitization in sectors such as banking, e-commerce, and public services makes our country increasingly vulnerable to ransomware. Implementing prevention, early detection, and cybersecurity education strategies is essential to prevent similar situations from recurring in Mexico.
At Cyberpeace, we invite you to stay up to date on cybersecurity trends and risks. Information and prevention are the best defense against digital threats. Want to learn more about how to protect your data and privacy online? Follow us on social media and strengthen your digital security.
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