Nearly 40 per cent of enterprises worldwide hit by ransomware - Malwarebytes

Number of enterprises affected in the UK stands at 54 per cent

Nearly 40 per cent of enterprises worldwide have been hit by ransomware attacks in the last 12 months, according to a survey from security vendor Malwarebytes.

The study across the UK, the US, Germany and Canada found that of these firms more than a third lost revenue, and 20 per cent had to stop business entirely.

The figures are worse in the UK, where 54 per cent of surveyed businesses had been targeted by ransomware.

"The results from this survey further emphasise that any business in any region is incredibly vulnerable to ransomware," said Marcin Kleczynski, CEO of Malwarebytes.

"Cybercriminals are increasing their use of ransomware in their attack strategies globally, causing business disruption, loss of files and wasted IT hours.

"In order to stay safe, businesses must invest heavily in both employee education and technology."

Germany came out strongest in the survey, with 82 per cent of surveyed businesses claiming not to have been a ransomware target.

Research also shows that nearly 60 per cent of all ransomware attacks on enterprises demanded over $1,000 (£761), 20 per cent demanded more than $10,000 and one per cent asked for over $150,000.

Canada polled highest in payments to ransomware criminals, with 75 per cent of enterprises taking the financial hit. In the UK 58 per cent of firms paid out.

The research was carried out by Osterman Research on behalf of Malwarebytes and surveyed 540 companies, with an average of 5,400 employees.