Ransomware continues to evolve in 2026, with attacks becoming more targeted, more sophisticated, and more destructive. Businesses of all sizes are affected and must strengthen their defenses.
New trends
Attackers are now using AI to personalize their phishing attacks, making malicious emails virtually undetectable. Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) democratizes access to attack tools, even for inexperienced cybercriminals.
Double extortion is becoming widespread
Beyond data encryption, attackers exfiltrate sensitive information before encrypting it. They then threaten to publish them if the ransom is not paid, adding further pressure on the victims.
The most targeted sectors
Health, education and local communities remain prime targets due to their often outdated systems and the criticality of their data. The industrial sector is also increasingly being targeted via OT/SCADA systems.
