Ransomware attacks on the manufacturing sector have created a potential financial storm, with more than $18 billion in losses reported so far in 2025. A shocking revelation made by Kaspersky in collaboration with VDC Research. The figure marks the financial damage inflicted during the first three quarters of the year. It’s worth noting that this amount represents solely the direct cost of these incidents.
The cybersecurity firm and research company’s joint report paints a grim picture of the current state of cyber threats in the manufacturing industry. The reported financial losses from these ransomware attacks underline the significant risks and potential consequences facing this sector. The figures also highlight the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for businesses in the manufacturing industry.
Indeed, the direct cost of such incidents is only one facet of the problem. The true extent of the damage often extends far beyond the immediate financial loss. The fallout from a successful ransomware attack can include business disruption, lost productivity, reputational damage, and even regulatory penalties. Consequently, the overall cost of a cyberattack can be much higher than the initial ransom demand.
The Rising Threat of Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks are not a new phenomenon. They’ve been a persistent threat for several years now. However, the frequency and severity of these attacks have been on a notable rise recently. The perpetrators of these cybercrimes are becoming increasingly sophisticated and audacious. Their tactics are evolving, and they’re targeting larger and more lucrative businesses.
The manufacturing sector, in particular, has proven to be a prime target for these cybercriminals. This industry’s reliance on digital technologies and interconnected systems makes it a lucrative and vulnerable target. The high stakes and potential for disruption mean that manufacturing firms are often willing to pay substantial ransoms to regain control of their systems and data.
The collaboration between Kaspersky and VDC Research has thrown light on the extent of the issue. By providing a quantifiable measure of the financial impact of these attacks, they’ve underlined the importance of cybersecurity in the manufacturing sector. The report acts as a timely reminder for businesses to review and bolster their cybersecurity measures. After all, as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.
