Escalation of Ransomware and Extortion Attacks Targeting European Organizations
European organizations are facing a surge in ransomware and data extortion attacks, with financially motivated eCrime groups and nation-state actors intensifying their operations across the region. According to CrowdStrike, nearly 22% of global victims named on dedicated leak sites are based in Europe, with the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, and Spain being the most targeted countries. Key sectors under attack include manufacturing, professional services, technology, industrials, engineering, and retail. The rise in big game hunting (BGH) activity is attributed to the high value of European companies, political motives, and adversaries' adaptation to legal pressures such as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Recent high-profile incidents underscore the universal nature of cyber risk, affecting organizations of all sizes and sectors. Notable breaches include attacks on Marks & Spencer, Jaguar Land Rover, the British Library, Royal Mail, British Airways, easyJet, and several major European airports, the latter resulting from a compromise of a third-party service provider. These events highlight the interconnectedness of modern operations and the cascading impact of supply chain vulnerabilities. The evolving threat landscape demonstrates that no business is immune, and organizations must prioritize proactive cybersecurity measures to mitigate the growing risk of ransomware and extortion campaigns.
Timeline
Nov 3, 2025
CrowdStrike publishes 2025 European Threat Landscape Report highlights
CrowdStrike published key findings from its 2025 European Threat Landscape Report, stating that extortion and big game hunting ransomware activity had risen across Europe. The report summarized increased pressure from both eCrime groups and nation-state actors.
Jan 1, 2024
Cybercriminals increase use of new social engineering techniques in Europe
During 2024 and into 2025, cybercriminals targeting Europe increasingly used online marketplaces and social engineering methods such as voice phishing and fake CAPTCHA pages. These tactics were highlighted as part of the evolving threat landscape affecting European organizations.
Jan 1, 2024
State-sponsored actors expand cyber operations across Europe
During 2024 and into 2025, state-sponsored actors linked to Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran expanded operations in Europe. Their activity included espionage, destructive attacks, and financially motivated campaigns tied to broader geopolitical conflicts.
Jan 1, 2024
Data leak sites name about 2,100 Europe-based victims since January 2024
CrowdStrike reported that since January 2024, approximately 2,100 Europe-based victims have been listed across more than 100 data leak sites. The UK, Germany, Italy, France, and Spain were identified as the most targeted countries, with manufacturing, technology, and retail among the most affected sectors.
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