At the end of 2023, a series of ransomware attacks hit France, actively targeting a variety of economic sectors. From small engineering firms to large pharmaceutical companies, no field has escaped this threat. Here’s a detailed analysis of ransomware statistics for December 2023.
A slight drop in ransomware attacks in December
The graph shows ransomware activity in France at the end of 2023. In September, there were 17 reported attacks. October saw a slight drop, with 15 attacks. November saw a peak, with 22 attacks recorded. In December, the number fell back to 17. These statistics reveal an uneven pattern of cyberattack activity over the period, indicating waves of intensified activity. Specific events or targeted ransomware campaigns could explain these monthly variations.
LockBit 3.0 and 8base still dominate ransomware threat rankings in France
The chart illustrates the ranking of the most active ransomware groups in France for December 2023. LockBit 3.0 maintains its leading position with the highest number of claimed attacks, closely followed by 8base. In addition, the “Werewolves” group made a striking entry, reported as a significant new threat on the cybercrime radar in France. Other groups such as Siegedsec and ROOTK1T complete the picture. However, the number of attacks is lower in France. This ranking highlights the persistence of certain players in the threat landscape, and the constant dynamic of new entrants.
The emergence of a new ransomware group: Werewolves
December 2023 marks a notable development with the appearance of the“Werewolves” group in the French cyberthreat panorama. This new player in the ransomware arena represents a significant emerging security risk. Its irruption bears witness to the relentless dynamics of digital threats, which are constantly evolving and diversifying.
The rise of “Werewolves” underlines the importance of heightened vigilance for corporate information systems. It is a reminder that cybersecurity is not static, but requires constant adaptation and updating. Defenses must be agile to counter these ever-changing threats.
Faced with this new situation, French companies are called upon to redouble their efforts to strengthen their security infrastructure. They must integrate this threat intelligence into their cybersecurity strategies. Responding to such threats requires a sustained commitment to digital asset protection and operational resilience.
Ransomware in France: No sector spared in December 2023
The diversity of companies affected by ransomware attacks in France in December 2023. Among the companies affected by ransomware, an example of three distinct sectors is highlighted: an engineering firm in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté with 27 employees, a law firm in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes with 700 employees, and a pharmaceutical company in Val-de-Marne, employing 3,650 people. This information highlights the fact that cyber attackers make no distinction according to company size or field of activity, demonstrating the need for all companies, regardless of sector or size, to protect themselves against the risks of ransomware.
Media coverage of ransomware: 65% of attacks claimed, exposed in December 2023″
The chart shows that, for the month of December 2023, 65% of claimed ransomware attacks in France were significant enough to be reported in the press. This suggests a growing awareness of the ransomware problem by the media and the public, and could also reflect a trend towards more open disclosure of cybersecurity incidents.
Conclusion of December 2023 ransomware statistics
The December 2023 ransomware statistics show the evolution of ransomware groups, with new and potentially dangerous players. These analyses also reveal that companies falling victim to cyber attacks are of all sizes, sectors and geographical areas. Through these analyses, SOS Ransomware underlines the importance of cybersecurity intelligence and adapting defense strategies to counter emerging threats.
Sources: Ransomwatch and the press
