Ransomware incidents affecting Japanese companies reached 239 from January to October this year, approximately 2.5 times the full-year 2021 figure. A separate survey also found that nearly 40% of affected companies paid the ransom, and experts have warned that attacks may continue.
From January through October this year, the number of incidents involving ransomware, malware that demands a ransom, targeting Japanese companies reached 239. This was a substantial increase from the same period a year earlier, at approximately 2.5 times the full-year 2021 figure. The results were published as part of a security company's survey, highlighting the clear trend of expanding damage.
A separate survey found that nearly 40% of affected companies had paid the ransom in some cases, suggesting that attackers' coercive tactics remain effective. Experts have warned that, while some companies choose to pay, it is important to decide not to pay.
In a case involving unauthorised access to GMO Internet Group, the attackers issued a warning before preparing and deploying ransomware, then demanded a ransom using a "theatrical" tactic that exposed personal information and stoked anxiety. Security experts are continuing their analysis, and the severity of the damage and the diversity of the tactics are expected to remain evident.