Ransomware attacks rose 20% in the first half of 2026

# Ransomware Attacks Hit New High as Criminal Groups Compete Hackers using a "rental" model for attack software are hitting businesses harder than ever—there were over 5,200 ransomware attacks in the first half of 2026, up 20% from last year. Two competing criminal groups, one Russian-based and one founded by former members who split off, are driving this surge by constantly trying to outdo each other with more attacks. While attacks dipped slightly in the second quarter, experts warn companies shouldn't let their guard down since the new baseline of roughly 2,500 attacks per quarter is now the troubling "new normal."