1. Introduction: The Growing Threat of Cyberattacks
In today's increasingly connected world, the internet has become an essential part of everyday life. Governments use digital systems to manage national services, banks depend on online platforms to process financial transactions, hospitals store sensitive medical records electronically, businesses operate through cloud-based systems, and millions of people communicate, shop, study and work through digital devices.
Although this technological development has created enormous opportunities, it has also introduced serious security risks. One of the most significant threats is the growing number of cyberattacks. A cyberattack is a deliberate attempt by an individual, criminal organisation, politically motivated group or state-sponsored actor to access, damage, disrupt, manipulate or steal information from computers, networks, digital devices and online services without proper authorisation.
Cyberattacks are no longer limited to large corporations or government agencies. Ordinary internet users can also become victims through fraudulent emails, fake websites, malicious applications, stolen passwords, identity theft and online financial scams. A person who receives a convincing message from someone pretending to represent a bank, for example, may unknowingly disclose login credentials that allow criminals to access their financial accounts.
At the organisational level, the consequences can be considerably more serious. A successful attack may interrupt business operations, expose confidential information, disable essential services, damage a company's reputation and result in substantial financial losses. In some situations, cyberattacks can affect critical national infrastructure, including electricity networks, telecommunications, transportation systems, water supplies and healthcare services.
Cybersecurity has therefore become a major concern for governments, businesses and individuals around the world. Understanding how cyberattacks happen, why criminals carry them out and how systems can be protected is essential in an era where digital information has become one of the most valuable resources in modern society.
2. What Exactly Is a Cyberattack?
A cyberattack occurs when an attacker uses digital technology to interfere with the confidentiality, integrity or availability of computer systems, networks, applications or information.
Confidentiality means ensuring that information can only be accessed by people who have permission to view it. Integrity means protecting information against unauthorised changes, manipulation or destruction. Availability means ensuring that legitimate users can access systems and services when they need them.
These three principles form the foundation of information security and are commonly known as the CIA Triad: Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability.
For example, if a criminal steals customer information from a bank, confidentiality has been compromised. If an attacker changes financial records without permission, integrity has been affected. If a cyberattack prevents customers from accessing online banking services, availability has been disrupted.
Not every cyberattack involves stealing information. Some attacks are designed to destroy data, interrupt services, spy on organisations, manipulate public opinion, demand ransom payments or gain long-term access to computer networks.
The motivations behind these activities can vary considerably. Some attackers want financial rewards, while others are interested in political influence, intelligence gathering, military advantage, revenge or public recognition.
3. Why Do Cyberattacks Happen?
There is no single reason why cyberattacks occur. Different attackers have different objectives, and their methods often reflect the opportunities available to them.
Financial gain
Financial motivation is one of the most common reasons behind cybercrime. Criminals may steal banking credentials, compromise payment systems, sell personal information, conduct fraudulent transactions or demand ransom payments from organisations.
Some criminal groups operate like commercial businesses. They divide responsibilities among members, develop specialised tools, recruit affiliates and negotiate payments with victims. Their activities can involve international networks that make investigation and prosecution difficult.
Corporate espionage
Some attackers attempt to obtain confidential business information, including product designs, research findings, trade secrets, customer databases, manufacturing processes and strategic plans.
The stolen information may provide competitors with an unfair advantage or be sold to other organisations. Companies operating in technology, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and defence-related industries may hold information that is particularly valuable to attackers.
Political and ideological motivations
Some cyberattacks are conducted to promote political objectives, express opposition to governments or draw attention to international conflicts.
Hacktivists may target government websites, public institutions, political organisations or companies associated with particular policies. Their activities may include website defacement, data leaks and distributed denial-of-service attacks.
Cyber espionage and national security
Certain cyber operations are associated with state-sponsored or state-aligned groups. These operations may seek access to government communications, diplomatic information, military networks, research institutions or critical infrastructure.
Cyber espionage is often designed to remain undetected for long periods. Rather than immediately damaging a system, an attacker may quietly collect information and maintain access to a compromised network.
Revenge and personal motives
Not all attackers are motivated by money or national interests. Some may attack former employers, business competitors, educational institutions or individuals because of personal disputes.
Disgruntled employees or former contractors may also misuse legitimate access to confidential systems. This is one reason organisations must carefully manage user permissions and remove access when employment or contractual relationships end.
4. Who Carries Out Cyberattacks?
Cyberattacks can originate from different types of individuals and organisations. Understanding these categories helps explain why cyber threats are difficult to control.
Individual cybercriminals
These are individuals who use computers, online services or malicious software to commit offences. Their activities may include phishing, identity theft, account compromise, online fraud and unauthorised access to systems.
Some operate independently, while others collaborate with larger criminal networks.
Organised cybercrime groups
Organised cybercrime groups are structured networks that conduct attacks for financial gain. They may specialise in ransomware, data theft, payment fraud, credential theft or selling access to compromised systems.
Some groups operate internationally and use complicated arrangements to hide their identities and financial activities.
Hacktivist groups
Hacktivists use cyber activities to promote political, social or ideological causes. They may target organisations they believe represent opposing interests.
Their operations can attract significant media attention, particularly when they claim responsibility for attacks against government institutions or prominent companies.
However, a group's public claim does not always mean that an attack has been independently verified. The number of attacks claimed by a group should not automatically be treated as the number of confirmed successful intrusions.
State-sponsored threat actors
State-sponsored threat actors are groups believed to operate with the support, direction or interests of a government.
Their objectives may include intelligence collection, strategic surveillance, disruption of adversaries or preparation for potential conflicts. These operations can involve considerable resources, specialist knowledge and sophisticated planning.
Attribution is particularly difficult because attackers may use compromised computers, proxy services, stolen identities and infrastructure located in several countries.
Malicious insiders
An insider threat occurs when someone with legitimate access to an organisation's systems misuses that access.
This may involve employees, contractors, suppliers or former staff members. An insider might intentionally steal confidential information, but security incidents can also occur through negligence, mistakes or manipulation by external criminals.
5. The Most Common Types of Cyberattacks
Cyberattacks can take many forms. Some target human behaviour, while others exploit weaknesses in software, networks, devices or organisational processes.
5.1 Phishing Attacks
Phishing is one of the most widely recognised forms of cyberattack. It involves deceptive messages designed to trick victims into revealing confidential information, opening malicious attachments or visiting fraudulent websites.
A phishing message may appear to come from a bank, government agency, delivery company, employer or familiar online service.
For example, a person may receive an email claiming that their bank account has been temporarily restricted. The message may instruct the recipient to click a link and verify their account details. The link leads to a fraudulent website designed to imitate the real banking platform.
If the victim enters their username, password or one-time verification code, the information may be captured by criminals.
Phishing is particularly dangerous because it exploits human trust, urgency and fear. Even technically experienced individuals can be deceived by convincing messages.
5.2 Spear Phishing
Spear phishing is a more targeted form of phishing. Instead of sending generic messages to thousands of people, attackers tailor their communication to a specific individual or organisation.
The message may include the recipient's name, job title, workplace, colleagues or information about a current project.
For example, an employee in a finance department may receive a message that appears to come from a senior manager requesting an urgent payment. Because the request seems relevant to the employee's responsibilities, the victim may be more likely to follow the instructions.
This technique demonstrates how information gathered from public websites and social media can be used to make fraudulent communication more convincing.
5.3 Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware is malicious software that prevents victims from accessing their files or computer systems, usually by encrypting important data. Attackers then demand payment in exchange for a promised decryption key or other assistance.
Modern ransomware operations may also involve data theft. Criminals can steal confidential information before encrypting systems and threaten to publish it if the victim refuses to pay.
This approach is commonly described as double extortion.
Ransomware can severely disrupt organisations. A hospital may lose access to appointment systems, medical records or administrative applications. A manufacturing company may be unable to operate production equipment, while a local authority may struggle to provide essential public services.
Paying a ransom does not guarantee that the victim will recover all information or that stolen data will be permanently deleted. It may also encourage further criminal activity.
5.4 Distributed Denial-of-Service Attacks (DDoS)
A distributed denial-of-service attack attempts to make a website, online service or network unavailable by overwhelming it with excessive traffic or requests.
The attack often uses a large number of compromised devices, collectively known as a botnet.
A botnet may include infected computers, internet-connected cameras, routers and other devices. Attackers coordinate these devices to send large volumes of traffic towards a selected target.
When a service receives more requests than it can handle, legitimate users may experience slow connections, errors or complete service interruption.
DDoS attacks are frequently associated with attempts to disrupt public-facing websites, online businesses, gaming services and government platforms.
5.5 Malware Attacks
Malware is a general term for malicious software designed to perform unauthorised or harmful activities.
Different malware families have different purposes. Some steal information, some monitor user activity, some provide remote access to criminals, and others damage or disrupt systems.
Common categories include:
- Viruses: Malicious programs that attach themselves to other files or applications and spread when infected content is executed.
- Worms: Malware capable of spreading between systems, sometimes without requiring direct user interaction.
- Trojans: Malicious programs disguised as legitimate or useful software.
- Spyware: Software that secretly collects information about users or their activities.
- Keyloggers: Tools that record keyboard input and may capture passwords or other sensitive information.
- Remote Access Trojans: Malware that can provide attackers with unauthorised remote control of compromised devices.
- Information stealers: Malware designed to collect credentials, browser information and other valuable data.
Malware can enter devices through malicious downloads, compromised websites, unsafe attachments, vulnerable applications or infected removable storage devices.
5.6 Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
A man-in-the-middle attack occurs when an attacker secretly intercepts or manipulates communication between two parties.
For example, a person using an unsecured network may believe they are communicating directly with an online service, while an attacker attempts to position themselves between the user and the service.
Depending on the circumstances, the attacker may attempt to observe information, manipulate communication or redirect the victim towards fraudulent services.
Modern encryption protocols help protect information during transmission. However, users must still be careful about suspicious websites, invalid security certificates and unexpected requests for confidential information.
5.7 SQL Injection
SQL injection is an attack against applications that interact with databases.
If an application does not properly handle information entered by users, an attacker may be able to manipulate database queries in unintended ways.
A successful attack could expose confidential records, alter stored information or interfere with database operations.
This type of vulnerability highlights the importance of secure software development, appropriate input handling, database permissions and regular security testing.
5.8 Zero-Day Exploits
A zero-day vulnerability is a software security weakness that is unknown to the vendor or has not yet been adequately addressed through an available security update.
An exploit is a method or technique that takes advantage of a vulnerability.
Zero-day vulnerabilities are particularly concerning because organisations may have little or no opportunity to apply a patch before exploitation begins.
They may be used in sophisticated cyber espionage campaigns, targeted attacks or criminal operations.
5.9 Password Attacks
Passwords remain a common target because they are used to protect email accounts, banking platforms, workplace systems and social media services.
Attackers may obtain passwords through phishing, data breaches, password guessing or the reuse of credentials exposed in previous incidents.
Credential stuffing occurs when attackers attempt to use usernames and passwords stolen from one service to access other services.
This technique can succeed when individuals reuse the same password across multiple accounts.
5.10 Business Email Compromise
Business Email Compromise, commonly known as BEC, is a form of fraud in which criminals impersonate or compromise business email accounts.
An attacker may pretend to be a company director, supplier, finance officer or business partner and request an urgent payment or change to bank account details.
These attacks can be highly damaging because they exploit normal business communication and payment procedures.
Organisations should verify unusual financial requests through an independent communication channel rather than relying only on the email received.
5.11 Supply Chain Attacks
A supply chain attack occurs when criminals compromise a supplier, software provider, contractor or other trusted third party to reach their intended target.
For example, an organisation may have strong security controls but rely on software supplied by an external company. If that software provider is compromised, malicious code or unauthorised access may affect multiple customers.
Supply chain attacks demonstrate that cybersecurity cannot be managed solely within an organisation's own network. The security practices of suppliers and service providers also matter.
5.12 Internet of Things Attacks
The Internet of Things, or IoT, refers to physical devices connected to the internet. Examples include smart cameras, home assistants, connected appliances, industrial sensors and smart building systems.
Many IoT devices operate continuously and may be installed with weak passwords, outdated software or insufficient security controls.
If compromised, these devices may be used for surveillance, unauthorised access, data theft or participation in botnets.
As more physical devices become connected, protecting them becomes an increasingly important part of cybersecurity.
6. How Does a Cyberattack Usually Happen?
Although individual attacks differ, many follow a recognisable sequence. Understanding this process helps organisations identify suspicious activity before serious damage occurs.
Stage 1: Reconnaissance
The attacker gathers information about the intended target.
This may include identifying the organisation's website, publicly accessible systems, employees, technology providers and exposed digital services.
Some information may be obtained from company websites, public records, social media and previously leaked data.
The purpose is to understand the target's digital environment and identify possible weaknesses.
Stage 2: Initial Access
The attacker attempts to gain unauthorised entry.
Initial access may occur through a deceptive email, stolen password, compromised third-party service, vulnerable internet-facing application or infected device.
Human error can play a major role at this stage, particularly when employees are deceived into disclosing credentials or approving an unexpected request.
Stage 3: Establishing a Foothold
After obtaining access, an attacker may attempt to maintain access to the compromised environment.
In some incidents, the attacker may use malicious software or misuse legitimate system functions to remain connected.
The aim may be to continue monitoring the environment or prepare for further activity.
Stage 4: Privilege Escalation
An attacker who initially gains access to an ordinary user account may attempt to obtain higher privileges.
Administrative access can provide greater control over systems, applications, security settings and sensitive information.
This is why organisations should avoid giving employees more access than they require for their responsibilities.
Stage 5: Lateral Movement
Lateral movement occurs when an attacker moves from one compromised system to other systems within the same network.
For example, an attacker may initially compromise one employee's computer and later attempt to access shared storage, administrative systems or other internal resources.
Network segmentation, access restrictions and continuous monitoring can reduce the potential spread of an intrusion.
Stage 6: Data Collection or Disruption
The attacker's objective becomes clearer as the operation develops.
Some attackers collect confidential information, while others attempt to disrupt services, steal financial assets, deploy ransomware or damage systems.
In certain cases, attackers may remain inside a network for an extended period before taking visible action.
Stage 7: Data Exfiltration
Data exfiltration refers to the unauthorised transfer of information from an organisation's environment to an external destination.
Stolen information may include personal details, financial records, business documents, intellectual property or internal communications.
The information may subsequently be sold, used for fraud, leaked publicly or used to pressure the victim.
Stage 8: Extortion or Further Criminal Activity
In ransomware incidents, attackers may demand payment to restore access or prevent stolen data from being published.
Other attackers may sell access to compromised systems, conduct additional fraud or use stolen information to target other organisations.
Not every cyberattack follows all these stages, and the order can differ. Nevertheless, this general lifecycle helps security teams understand how intrusions develop.
7. Which Industries Are Most Vulnerable to Cyberattacks?
Cyberattacks can affect almost every industry, but certain sectors are especially attractive because they hold valuable information or provide essential services.
Banking and Financial Services
Banks, payment providers and financial institutions manage large amounts of sensitive information and financial transactions.
Attackers may target online banking accounts, payment systems, customer databases and financial infrastructure.
A successful incident can result in financial losses, service disruption, identity theft and reduced customer confidence.
Healthcare and Hospitals
Healthcare organisations store highly sensitive information, including medical histories, personal details, laboratory results and insurance information.
Hospitals also depend on digital systems to manage appointments, medical records, diagnostic equipment and administrative operations.
When these systems become unavailable, patient care may be disrupted. This makes healthcare a particularly serious target for ransomware and data theft.
Government Agencies
Government institutions maintain important national records and provide services to the public.
These may include identity systems, tax records, immigration databases, public administration platforms and national infrastructure.
Cyberattacks against government organisations can have consequences beyond financial loss because they may affect public confidence, national security and essential services.
Education Institutions
Schools, colleges and universities manage student records, research data, financial information and employee details.
Many educational institutions also operate extensive networks involving students, lecturers, researchers and external service providers.
Their large and diverse user populations can create complicated security challenges.
Telecommunications
Telecommunications companies provide internet connectivity, mobile communications and other essential digital services.
A major incident affecting these organisations could disrupt communication across businesses, households and government services.
Manufacturing and Industrial Operations
Manufacturing companies increasingly rely on connected equipment, automated production systems and digital supply chains.
An attack may interrupt production, damage business operations or expose confidential industrial information.
In certain environments, cyber incidents involving operational technology may also create physical safety risks.
Energy and Utilities
Electricity, water, gas and other utility services depend on complex operational systems.
Cybersecurity incidents involving these services can affect communities, businesses and national infrastructure.
For this reason, protecting industrial control systems and operational technology is a major security priority.
8. The Global Impact of Cyberattacks
The consequences of cyberattacks extend far beyond the computers or networks directly affected.
Financial losses
Organisations may face costs associated with incident investigation, system restoration, legal advice, regulatory obligations, customer notification, business interruption and improved security controls.
Ransom payments may also be demanded, although paying criminals does not guarantee recovery.
Loss of confidential information
Stolen information can include personal identity details, financial records, business strategies and intellectual property.
Once confidential information has been exposed, it may be difficult or impossible to restore its secrecy.
Damage to reputation
Customers and business partners expect organisations to protect their information.
A major data breach may reduce confidence in an organisation, particularly if the incident reveals poor security practices or inadequate handling of customer information.
Business interruption
An organisation may temporarily lose access to essential systems, resulting in delayed services, cancelled transactions and reduced productivity.
For businesses that depend heavily on digital operations, even a short interruption can have serious consequences.
National security concerns
Cyberattacks against government systems and critical infrastructure can create risks for national security.
Espionage may expose sensitive information, while disruptive operations may affect public services or strategic industries.
Psychological and social consequences
Victims of online fraud and identity theft may experience anxiety, embarrassment and financial stress.
A cyberattack can also undermine public trust in digital services, particularly when people believe their personal information is not adequately protected.
9. The 20 Countries Frequently Targeted in Reported Cyber Operations
Cyberattacks occur in every region of the world. However, some countries appear more frequently in international threat reports because they have large digital economies, strategically important infrastructure, significant political visibility or high levels of reported incidents.
The following list uses one clearly defined measurement: the number of hacktivist attacks claimed against countries during 2025, as presented in Radware's 2026 threat report.
This is not a ranking of every type of cybercrime, nor does it mean that every claimed attack was independently verified as a successful intrusion. It is a record of attacks claimed by hacktivist actors within the report's monitoring methodology.
Top 20 Countries by Reported Hacktivist Attack Claims in 2025
| Rank | Country | Attacks claimed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Israel | 1,881 |
| 2 | United States | 1,448 |
| 3 | Ukraine | 1,373 |
| 4 | Germany | 849 |
| 5 | France | 840 |
| 6 | Thailand | 634 |
| 7 | Italy | 619 |
| 8 | Spain | 548 |
| 9 | India | 517 |
| 10 | Poland | 489 |
| 11 | Vietnam | 435 |
| 12 | Belgium | 419 |
| 13 | Denmark | 315 |
| 14 | Morocco | 293 |
| 15 | United Kingdom | 269 |
| 16 | United Arab Emirates | 265 |
| 17 | Finland | 214 |
| 18 | Lithuania | 207 |
| 19 | Cambodia | 206 |
| 20 | Taiwan | 204 |
Source: Radware Threat Report 2026, reporting hacktivist attack claims recorded for 2025.
9.1 Israel
Israel recorded the highest number of hacktivist attack claims in the dataset, with 1,881 claims during 2025.
The country's geopolitical position and role in regional conflicts make it a prominent target for politically motivated cyber activity. Government organisations, public-facing digital services and other strategically important entities may attract attention from groups seeking to express political opposition or demonstrate their capabilities.
The figures should be interpreted as reported attack claims, rather than proof that 1,881 separate intrusions successfully compromised Israeli systems.
9.2 United States
The United States recorded 1,448 hacktivist attack claims in the same dataset.
It has one of the world's largest digital economies, with extensive financial, healthcare, government, telecommunications and technology infrastructure.
Its international political and economic influence also makes American organisations visible targets for financially motivated criminals, hacktivists and state-linked threat actors.
Separate ransomware research also identifies the United States as the country with the largest number of publicly identified ransomware victims. This reflects both the country's extensive business environment and differences in incident reporting and public disclosure.
9.3 Ukraine
Ukraine recorded 1,373 hacktivist attack claims.
The country's position in an ongoing geopolitical conflict has made cyber operations an important part of the wider security environment. Digital attacks may accompany military developments, political events and information campaigns.
Government services, public communications and strategically important organisations can attract cyber activity from groups supporting opposing sides of a conflict.
9.4 Germany
Germany recorded 849 hacktivist attack claims.
As a major European economy with important manufacturing, financial, research and public administration sectors, Germany operates extensive digital infrastructure.
Industrial organisations are particularly important because cyber incidents may affect production systems, supply chains and commercial operations.
9.5 France
France recorded 840 hacktivist attack claims.
The country has significant government, financial, transportation, telecommunications and defence-related infrastructure.
High-profile political and international events may also increase the visibility of French organisations as potential targets for ideologically motivated groups.
9.6 Thailand
Thailand recorded 634 hacktivist attack claims.
Its digital economy includes tourism, financial services, public administration, telecommunications and online commerce.
As digital services become increasingly important to economic activity, organisations must strengthen their ability to protect customer information and maintain reliable online services.
9.7 Italy
Italy recorded 619 hacktivist attack claims.
The country has extensive public administration, manufacturing, transportation and financial services networks.
Cyber incidents may affect both private companies and public institutions, especially where organisations depend on interconnected digital systems.
9.8 Spain
Spain recorded 548 hacktivist attack claims.
Its tourism, banking, telecommunications, energy and public services sectors contribute to a substantial digital environment.
Attacks against public-facing services may be intended to disrupt operations, attract publicity or communicate political messages.
9.9 India
India recorded 517 hacktivist attack claims.
The country's rapidly expanding digital economy includes financial technology, telecommunications, online commerce, government platforms and technology services.
Its large population and widespread use of digital services also create significant cybersecurity challenges, including phishing, identity theft, online fraud and attacks against organisations.
9.10 Poland
Poland recorded 489 hacktivist attack claims.
Its strategic position in Europe and its involvement in regional security and political developments can make its institutions visible targets for politically motivated cyber activity.
Government networks, public services and organisations supporting important infrastructure must maintain strong security controls.
9.11 Vietnam
Vietnam recorded 435 hacktivist attack claims.
Its growing manufacturing, technology, financial and online commerce sectors increase the importance of protecting business information and digital infrastructure.
As more organisations adopt cloud services and connected business systems, effective security management becomes essential.
9.12 Belgium
Belgium recorded 419 hacktivist attack claims.
The country hosts important European and international institutions, as well as government, financial and business organisations.
Its international role may make certain institutions attractive targets for political messaging, espionage and disruptive cyber operations.
9.13 Denmark
Denmark recorded 315 hacktivist attack claims.
Its advanced digital infrastructure and extensive use of online public services mean that cybersecurity is important across government and private-sector operations.
Energy, telecommunications, finance and public administration are among the areas where digital resilience is particularly important.
9.14 Morocco
Morocco recorded 293 hacktivist attack claims.
Its digital transformation, growing online economy and regional political environment contribute to its cybersecurity landscape.
Public institutions, businesses and digital service providers must manage risks associated with data theft, fraudulent activity and service disruption.
9.15 United Kingdom
The United Kingdom recorded 269 hacktivist attack claims.
It has a highly developed financial and digital services economy, together with extensive healthcare, government, education and telecommunications infrastructure.
The country also appears prominently in ransomware research. This illustrates how its overall cyber risk cannot be understood through hacktivist claims alone.
9.16 United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates recorded 265 hacktivist attack claims.
Its international business environment, financial services, transportation networks and digital government initiatives make cybersecurity an important national priority.
Organisations operating in the country must protect sensitive business information and maintain secure online services.
9.17 Finland
Finland recorded 214 hacktivist attack claims.
Its technology sector, telecommunications infrastructure and public digital services form an important part of its economy.
The country's position in the wider European security environment also makes the protection of government and critical infrastructure particularly important.
9.18 Lithuania
Lithuania recorded 207 hacktivist attack claims.
Its role in European digital and security networks makes it relevant to the wider regional cyber threat environment.
Government agencies, financial institutions and businesses must remain prepared for disruptive attacks and attempts to obtain sensitive information.
9.19 Cambodia
Cambodia recorded 206 hacktivist attack claims.
Its expanding use of digital services and online business platforms increases the importance of cybersecurity awareness, secure payment systems and effective protection of personal information.
Organisations must also address risks involving online fraud, account compromise and malicious software.
9.20 Taiwan
Taiwan recorded 204 hacktivist attack claims.
Its strategic importance in global technology supply chains, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing, makes the security of its industrial and digital infrastructure especially significant.
Cybersecurity incidents involving major technology organisations could have consequences for international supply chains and the wider electronics industry.
Important Note About the Country Ranking
The list above measures hacktivist attack claims, not the total number of cyberattacks experienced by each country. Other reports use different measurements and therefore produce different rankings.
For example, GuidePoint Security's GRIT 2026 report identifies the United States as accounting for more than 55% of the observed ransomware victims in its 2025 dataset. Its remaining leading countries include Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Australia and India.
Microsoft's Digital Defense Report 2025 also identifies the United States, United Kingdom, Israel and Germany among the leading countries affected by malicious cyber activity in its customer telemetry.
These findings are not necessarily contradictory. They measure different kinds of activity, use different data sources and have different reporting limitations.
A country with a high number of reported incidents is not automatically the country with the weakest cybersecurity. Large economies may have more organisations, more internet-facing systems, greater digital activity and stronger public reporting requirements. Smaller countries may experience serious incidents that receive less international attention.
Therefore, any country ranking should always be accompanied by an explanation of its measurement method.
10. Why Are Developed Countries Attractive Targets?
Developed countries often have large digital economies and extensive networks of connected organisations.
Banks, insurance companies, hospitals, technology providers, government departments and multinational corporations store significant amounts of valuable information.
This creates opportunities for attackers who seek financial rewards, confidential data or access to strategically important systems.
Developed countries may also have greater public visibility. An attack against a major financial institution or government platform can attract international attention and create pressure on political leaders and business executives.
However, this does not mean that developing countries are safe from cyber threats. Countries with rapidly expanding digital economies may face growing risks because technology adoption can sometimes move faster than the development of cybersecurity skills, security policies and technical safeguards.
11. Is Malaysia Also at Risk of Cyberattacks?
Yes. Malaysia is exposed to the same broad categories of cyber threats experienced by other digitally connected countries.
The country's banking services, government platforms, telecommunications networks, hospitals, educational institutions, businesses and online marketplaces all depend on digital infrastructure.
As more Malaysians use online banking, mobile applications, electronic payments and government services, the protection of personal information becomes increasingly important.
Some common risks faced by Malaysian internet users include fraudulent banking messages, phishing websites, fake investment schemes, account takeovers, identity theft, malware and online shopping scams.
Organisations may also face ransomware, business email compromise, data breaches and attacks against public-facing digital services.
Malaysia's cybersecurity environment requires cooperation between government agencies, private organisations, technology providers and the public.
Individuals should practise good digital security habits, while organisations must invest in secure infrastructure, staff awareness, incident response planning and appropriate protection of personal information.
For Malaysia-specific information, useful organisations and resources include the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA), CyberSecurity Malaysia and the MyCERT incident reporting service.
12. How Can Individuals Protect Themselves from Cyberattacks?
Cybersecurity is not exclusively the responsibility of IT professionals. Every person who uses a smartphone, computer or internet-connected service has a role to play.
Use strong and unique passwords
A strong password should be difficult to guess and should not be reused across multiple accounts.
Using a reputable password manager can help individuals create and store unique passwords securely.
Enable multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication, or MFA, adds another layer of protection beyond a password.
Depending on the service, verification may involve an authentication application, security key, biometric verification or another approved method.
Where possible, phishing-resistant authentication methods provide stronger protection than relying on passwords and SMS codes alone.
Be careful with suspicious messages
Never assume that an email, text message or messaging application notification is genuine simply because it displays a familiar company name or logo.
Check the sender, inspect the destination of links carefully and avoid opening unexpected attachments.
If a message requests sensitive information or urgent payment, verify it through an official channel.
Keep software updated
Operating systems, mobile applications, browsers and security software should be updated regularly.
Updates often contain security fixes that address vulnerabilities discovered by developers and security researchers.
Delaying important updates can leave devices exposed to known weaknesses.
Avoid unsafe downloads
Applications and files should be obtained from trusted sources.
Users should be cautious about unofficial software, suspicious attachments, pirated applications and websites that offer unexpected downloads.
Use secure internet connections
Avoid carrying out sensitive transactions through suspicious or untrusted networks.
When using public Wi-Fi, confirm that the network is legitimate and access important services through their official applications or correctly authenticated websites.
Back up important information
Important files should be backed up regularly.
A good backup strategy should include copies that are protected against unauthorised access and cannot easily be altered or deleted by malware.
Individuals should also test whether their backups can actually be restored.
Monitor financial accounts
Review bank statements, card transactions and account notifications regularly.
Report suspicious activity to the relevant financial institution as soon as possible.
Never share passwords, PINs or verification codes with people who contact you unexpectedly.
13. How Can Organisations Prevent Cyberattacks?
Organisations need a structured cybersecurity strategy because protecting a business network involves much more than installing antivirus software.
Establish strong access controls
Employees should only receive access to systems and information necessary for their work.
This approach is known as the principle of least privilege.
Administrative accounts should be protected with stronger authentication and monitored carefully.
Conduct regular security assessments
Organisations should regularly review their networks, applications, devices and cloud environments to identify weaknesses.
Security testing should be conducted by authorised professionals and followed by a clear plan to address identified problems.
Implement network segmentation
Network segmentation separates systems into different security zones.
This can limit the movement of attackers if one device or part of the network becomes compromised.
For example, a visitor Wi-Fi network should not provide unrestricted access to sensitive internal business systems.
Deploy endpoint protection
Endpoint protection helps detect suspicious activity on computers, servers and other devices.
Modern security solutions may include behavioural monitoring, threat detection, investigation and response capabilities.
Protect backups
Backups should be maintained separately from normal production systems and protected against unauthorised changes.
Organisations should test restoration procedures regularly so that important information and services can be recovered after an incident.
Train employees
Human awareness is one of the most important components of cybersecurity.
Employees should understand how phishing works, how to identify suspicious requests and how to report potential security incidents.
Training should be repeated and supported by clear organisational procedures.
Develop an incident response plan
Every organisation should have a plan for responding to cyber incidents.
The plan should identify responsibilities, reporting channels, escalation procedures, communication arrangements and recovery priorities.
A response plan is most useful when employees understand it and the organisation tests it through exercises.
Manage third-party risks
Organisations should assess the cybersecurity practices of suppliers, contractors and technology providers.
Contracts and service agreements should clearly address security responsibilities, data protection, incident notification and access management.
14. What Should an Organisation Do After a Cyberattack?
Discovering a cyberattack can be stressful, particularly when important systems or customer information may have been affected.
However, the response should be organised and based on the organisation's incident response procedures.
The first priority is to limit further damage. Depending on the nature of the incident, security teams may need to isolate affected systems, disable compromised accounts or restrict suspicious network activity.
The organisation should preserve relevant evidence, including security logs, system records and suspicious communications. Evidence may be important for technical investigation, legal proceedings and regulatory reporting.
Next, the organisation should determine which systems and information have been affected. This may require specialist digital forensic investigation.
If personal information has been compromised, the organisation should assess its legal and regulatory obligations and notify the appropriate parties where required.
Recovery should only begin after the affected environment has been assessed and the cause of the incident has been addressed. Restoring infected systems without removing the underlying threat may result in another compromise.
Finally, the organisation should review the incident and identify improvements. The objective is not merely to restore operations but to reduce the likelihood and impact of future attacks.
15. The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity
Artificial intelligence is changing the cybersecurity landscape.
Security professionals can use AI-supported systems to analyse large volumes of security data, identify unusual behaviour, prioritise alerts and support incident investigations.
These capabilities may help organisations detect threats more quickly and respond more efficiently.
However, criminals can also misuse AI technologies.
AI-generated messages may contain more convincing language, making phishing attempts harder to recognise. Automated tools may help attackers create deceptive content, impersonate individuals or increase the scale of certain fraudulent activities.
Deepfake technology creates additional risks. Criminals may use synthetic audio or video to impersonate executives, colleagues or family members and persuade victims to transfer money or disclose confidential information.
For example, an employee might receive a phone call that appears to feature the voice of a senior manager requesting an urgent financial transaction.
Organisations should therefore establish verification procedures for sensitive requests. A familiar voice or convincing video should not be treated as sufficient proof of identity.
AI is neither automatically good nor automatically harmful. Its impact depends on how the technology is developed, controlled and used.
16. The Future of Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity will become increasingly important as society depends more heavily on digital technology.
Cloud computing, artificial intelligence, smart cities, autonomous systems, connected vehicles, industrial automation and the Internet of Things will create new opportunities while expanding the number of systems that need protection.
One major challenge will be securing complex digital supply chains. Organisations may depend on hundreds of software providers, cloud services and external technology partners. A weakness in one provider may affect many customers.
Another challenge will be preparing for future developments in computing. Quantum computing research, for example, has raised concerns about the long-term security of some widely used cryptographic methods. Governments and technology organisations are therefore researching and adopting post-quantum cryptography standards.
Cybersecurity professionals will also need to address the growing shortage of specialist skills, the complexity of modern digital infrastructure and the need for effective international cooperation.
No organisation can guarantee that it will never experience a cyberattack. However, organisations that prepare properly can reduce their exposure, detect suspicious activity earlier and recover more effectively.
17. Why Cybersecurity Is Everyone's Responsibility
It is easy to assume that cyberattacks only affect large companies, banks or government agencies. In reality, ordinary people are often the starting point for attacks against much larger organisations.
A single compromised email account may expose confidential business communication. A weak password may allow criminals to access multiple online services. An employee who approves a fraudulent payment may cause substantial financial damage.
Cybersecurity is therefore a shared responsibility.
Individuals should protect their devices, passwords and personal information. Businesses should establish effective security policies and train employees. Technology providers should develop secure products and respond responsibly to vulnerabilities. Governments should strengthen national cyber resilience and support public awareness.
A secure digital environment requires cooperation rather than reliance on a single security product or department.
18. Conclusion: Cyberattacks Are a Global Threat That Cannot Be Ignored
Cyberattacks have become one of the defining security challenges of the digital age. They affect countries, organisations and individuals regardless of geographical location or economic development.
The methods used by attackers continue to evolve. Phishing, ransomware, malware, data theft, DDoS attacks, business email compromise and supply chain attacks can cause serious financial, operational and social consequences.
The countries highlighted in this article demonstrate how widespread cyber threats have become. However, the ranking of affected countries depends heavily on the type of attack measured, the reporting method and the available data. No single list can represent every cyber incident worldwide.
The most important lesson is that cybersecurity should not be treated as an optional technical expense. It is an essential part of protecting personal privacy, business continuity, national infrastructure and public trust.
Every individual should understand the risks of sharing information online, every organisation should establish appropriate security controls, and every government should recognise the importance of digital resilience.
The internet has made the world more connected than ever before. Protecting that connection requires awareness, preparation, cooperation and continuous improvement.
In the digital world, being connected is important, but being secure is essential.
References and Further Reading
The following organisations and reports provide additional information about cybersecurity, global threats and protection measures.
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Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2025 – Global cyber threat intelligence, malicious activity and the countries most affected within Microsoft's telemetry.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/corporate-responsibility/cybersecurity/microsoft-digital-defense-report-2025/ -
Radware Threat Report 2026 – Analysis of cyber threat activity, including hacktivist attack claims recorded by country during 2025.
https://www.radware.com/ -
GuidePoint Security – GRIT 2026 Ransomware and Cyber Threat Report – Analysis of ransomware victims and geographical trends during 2025.
https://www.guidepointsecurity.com/ -
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) – Cybersecurity frameworks, security guidance and risk management resources.
https://www.nist.gov/cybersecurity -
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) – Cybersecurity alerts, guidance and information about protecting critical infrastructure.
https://www.cisa.gov/ -
European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) – European cyber threat landscape reports and cybersecurity recommendations.
https://www.enisa.europa.eu/ -
INTERPOL – International cooperation and information concerning cybercrime and digital threats.
https://www.interpol.int/ -
CyberSecurity Malaysia – National cybersecurity services, awareness resources and incident response information.
https://www.cybersecurity.my/ -
National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA), Malaysia – National cybersecurity policy and information about Malaysia's cyber resilience initiatives.
https://www.nacsa.gov.my/ -
MyCERT – Malaysia Computer Emergency Response Team – Cybersecurity incident reporting and technical advisories.
https://www.mycert.org.my/
Editorial note: The country ranking in Section 9 is specifically based on hacktivist attack claims reported for 2025 by Radware. It should not be presented as a definitive ranking of all cyberattacks, confirmed breaches or total cybercrime losses. Different reports use different datasets and measurement methods.
