Ransomware 2024: Italy Among the Most Targeted Countries

May 14, 2025

Ransomware attacks in Italy have reached alarming levels in 2024, placing the country among the most targeted worldwide. The latest report by Italy's National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN) recorded a 40% increase in cyber incidents, with 1,979 total cases—573 classified as severe.

The month of May alone saw 283 attacks—a staggering 148% increase over April—confirming ransomware as a major ongoing threat. No sector is immune, but the healthcare industry has been hit particularly hard, experiencing a 111% rise in ransomware attacks between 2023 and 2024.

Cybercriminals are evolving their methods, increasingly adopting ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) models, allowing even less experienced actors to launch dangerous attacks. Notorious groups like LockBit 3.0, RansomHub, and 8Base have all targeted Italian organizations in recent months.

The ransom cost is not only economic—it damages reputation, trust, and operations. For many businesses, the aftermath of an attack is far more costly than prevention.

This is a wake-up call for all businesses: investing in cybersecurity is no longer optional. Proactive measures, up-to-date threat intelligence, staff training, and incident response planning are essential for digital resilience.