KnowBe4 has released new ransomware statistics, and unfortunately, it’s not good news. Once ransomware attacks started to escalate after the appearance of cryptocurrency, every year seems to be a vicious cycle. There’s more blood in the water as these attacks continue to work, and the more they continue to work, the more attackers are lured by the promise of quick, easy, and shockingly high profits. 

Ransomware is expected to cost the world $42B in 2024, and unless we find a way to turn the tide, 2026 is going to be a real bloodbath. 

Ransomware Prevention

Digital cybersecurity tools can do a lot, but they can’t catch everything. And unfortunately, another troubling statistic is that human error and carelessness were responsible for 74% of ransomware attacks last year. Reusing passwords, opening attachments, clicking links, falling for phishing scams, and ignoring important updates can seriously undermine an organization’s cybersecurity posture. 

In fact, typically an organization’s biggest cybersecurity vulnerability is its employees’ lax habits. As frustrating as that is, the good news is that this problem is one that can be fixed, if only more organizations offered effective cybersecurity awareness training. Unfortunately, even for those organizations that do offer ongoing training, that “effective” part is often what’s missing. 

Under 25% of security awareness professionals have the necessary experience in training, communications, or other skills to successfully build a sturdy human firewall. 

What Is a Human Firewall?

A human firewall refers to the people associated with your organization using up-to-date knowledge about cybersecurity best practices to help protect your organization from cyberattacks.

Because it only takes one careless click or compromised password to leave an organization vulnerable, a modern human firewall requires that every employee — not just one or two — understands their role in helping to keep an organization secure, and what is expected of them. 

Preventing Ransomware Attacks With Effective Security Awareness Training 

Now for a bit of good news. Security awareness training — when done correctly — is surprisingly effective. Not all programs achieve the same results, and that’s why we are proud of our strategic partnership with KnowBe4, an industry leader in providing robust, effective cybersecurity training. 

If you’d like to implement or upgrade your security awareness training capabilities, our recent blog highlights a bit more about how effective training can minimize risks to businesses.