New research from Check Point Software highlights an increasingly perilous cyber threat landscape, characterized by a significant uptick in ransomware incidents, concentrated regional attacks, and growing data exposure linked to the enterprise use of generative AI (GenAI). As of December 2025, organizations worldwide faced an average of 2,027 cyberattacks per week, marking a one percent increase from the previous month and a nine percent rise compared to December 2024.
Ransomware attacks alone surged dramatically, with 945 publicly reported incidents in December, reflecting a staggering 60 percent increase from the same month last year. This aggressive escalation reinforces ransomware’s position as the most disruptive cyber threat globally, leading to operational downtime, financial losses, and extensive data extortion across various industries. North America accounted for 52 percent of these ransomware incidents, followed by Europe at 23 percent, illustrating the continued concentration of attacks in economically valuable regions.
Mark Weir, regional director for the UK and Ireland at Check Point Software, noted, “December’s data shows that cyber risk is no longer about isolated spikes, but continuous pressure.” He emphasized that ransomware’s growth is propelled by industrialized operations and that unmanaged GenAI usage is exacerbating widespread data exposure at the enterprise level. Looking ahead to 2026, Weir urged organizations to prioritize a prevention-first security approach, real-time AI threat intelligence, and robust governance over AI tool usage.
The education sector remained the most targeted industry globally, experiencing an alarming average of 4,349 cyberattacks per week in December—up 12 percent year-on-year. Factors such as large user populations, open digital environments, and aging infrastructure make educational institutions particularly vulnerable to cybercriminals.
Similarly, the government sector ranked second in terms of cyberattacks, with organizations facing 2,666 attacks per week. Associations and non-profits saw the most significant growth among industries, reporting an average of 2,509 attacks weekly—a 56 percent increase year-over-year. Limited cybersecurity resources coupled with an increasing reliance on digital processes have heightened risks for these sectors.
As organizations continue to grapple with this evolving threat landscape, experts emphasize the critical need for comprehensive security strategies. The growing sophistication of cyber threats and the increasing adoption of AI technologies present both challenges and opportunities for businesses. Investment in cybersecurity measures, alongside a proactive approach to governance and risk management, will be essential in mitigating these risks.
For more insights, readers can visit the Check Point blog.
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