Archive · 10 Jun 2025
Industrial Ransomware Attacks Surge: 46% Increase Reported
Imagine bad guys are trying to break into important computer systems used by factories and power plants.
According to a report, these bad guys are getting much better at it.
They are using special software to hold these systems hostage and demand money.
Attacks are up nearly half, with many more attempts than last year.
The tools they use are becoming stealthier, especially targeting important passwords.
Also, sneaky USB drives can carry viruses.
These attacks can cause big problems, like shutting down factories, which costs a lot of money.
Experts suggest using smart security systems and keeping everything updated to stop these attacks.
Ransomware attacks on industrial operations rose by 46% from Q4 2024 to Q1 2025.
Honeywell's report highlights the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure.
There was a 3,000% increase in the use of a trojan designed to steal credentials from industrial operators.
Honeywell detected 2,472 attempted ransomware attacks in Q1 2025, representing 40% of all ransomware incidents recorded in 2024.
USB malware detections remain a persistent threat, with 1,826 unique USB threats detected in Q1 2025.
- Who
- Cyberattackers and threat actors targeting critical infrastructure and industrial operators.
- What
- Ransomware attacks on industrial operations increased, with a rise in malware and a specific trojan designed to steal credentials, alongside continued threats from USB devices.
- When
- From Q4 2024 to Q1 2025.
- Where
- Industrial environments across critical sectors like energy and manufacturing.
- Why
- Because industrial operations are attractive targets due to their need to avoid unplanned downtime, attackers are leveraging ransomware-as-a-service kits to compromise them.
- Ransomware Attack Increase
- 46% (Q4 2024 to Q1 2025)
- Targeted Sectors
- Energy, Manufacturing
- Trojan Increase
- 3,000%
- Ransomware Attacks in Q1 2025
- 2,472 attempted
- USB Threats Detected in Q1 2025
- 1,826 unique
- Estimated Cost of Downtime (Fortune 500)
- $1.5 trillion annually