Manufacturing Sector Bears Brunt of Global Ransomware Surge, New Data Reveals

Unprecedented Ransomware Wave Targets Industrial Operations

The manufacturing industry has become the primary target for ransomware criminals, with new data showing the sector accounted for more than one-fifth of all attacks during the third quarter of 2025. According to BlackFog’s State of Ransomware Report covering July through September, manufacturing organizations suffered 22% of all ransomware incidents, highlighting a deliberate shift in criminal strategy toward disrupting industrial production and supply chains.

Quarterly Attack Volume Reaches Alarming Heights

Publicly disclosed ransomware attacks surged by 36 percent compared to the same period in 2024, setting new records for malicious activity. The escalation becomes even more concerning when viewed longitudinally—representing a staggering 335 percent increase since the third quarter of 2020. This five-year trend demonstrates ransomware’s evolution from occasional threat to persistent enterprise risk., according to technology insights

The monthly breakdown reveals consistent pressure throughout the quarter:, according to market developments

• July: 50% spike in attacks compared to previous years
• August: 37% increase in malicious activity
• September: 27% uptick, maintaining elevated threat levels

Attack Attribution and Emerging Threat Groups

The ransomware collective Qilin maintained its position as the most active threat group, continuing patterns observed in the second quarter. However, security researchers noted that approximately 40 percent of reported attacks remain unattributed to any known ransomware organization, suggesting either new entrants or sophisticated concealment techniques., according to industry developments

The quarter witnessed the emergence of 18 new ransomware groups, several of which have been linked to high-profile incidents targeting major corporations. Among these newcomers, DEVMAN made a significant impact, though specific victim details remain under investigation., according to technological advances

The Manufacturing Crisis: Beyond Public Disclosures

While public reports capture only a fraction of the actual threat landscape, the manufacturing sector’s disproportionate suffering becomes even more apparent when considering unreported incidents. Nearly 85 percent of all ransomware attacks went undisclosed during the monitoring period, representing a 21 percent increase in non-reported incidents compared to the same quarter last year.

This reporting gap suggests the actual impact on manufacturing operations may be substantially higher than official statistics indicate, with many organizations opting to handle incidents privately to avoid reputational damage or regulatory scrutiny., according to market developments

Data Exfiltration Becomes Standard Operating Procedure

The tactical evolution of ransomware continues, with data theft now occurring in 96 percent of disclosed cases—the highest level ever recorded. This near-universal adoption of data exfiltration represents a fundamental shift from simple system encryption to comprehensive data compromise, giving attackers additional leverage for extortion.

This dual-threat approach—combining operational disruption with data exposure—creates compounded pressure on victim organizations, particularly in manufacturing where intellectual property protection is crucial for competitive advantage.

Real-World Consequences for Industrial Operations

The human and operational impact of these attacks has been substantial across the manufacturing landscape. Jaguar Land Rover only recently resumed normal operations following an August incident that disrupted production schedules and delivery timelines. Meanwhile, numerous smaller suppliers within manufacturing ecosystems continue to assess the financial and operational damage from attacks.

Dr. Darren Williams, Founder and CEO of BlackFog, emphasized the tangible consequences: “From grounded aircraft and stranded passengers to manufacturers forced to halt production, the disruption has been significant. As ransomware volumes show a continued upward trend, the best option for organizations is to make it as hard as possible for cybercriminals to take advantage of them.”

Strategic Defense in an Escalating Threat Environment

With manufacturing increasingly in the crosshairs, security experts recommend a proactive defense strategy focused on data protection. By implementing comprehensive data security measures that prevent exfiltration, organizations can remove the primary leverage point criminals use for extortion.

This approach not only reduces immediate risk but also diminishes the incentive for repeated attacks against the same organization. As manufacturing continues its digital transformation, building cyber resilience into operational technology networks becomes increasingly critical for business continuity and competitive positioning., as detailed analysis

For detailed statistics and analysis, security professionals can access the complete BlackFog State of Ransomware report for July-September 2025.

References & Further Reading

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