Ransomware Theft Hits 896TB: What Researchers Found for 2026

Ransomware is evolving, with attackers stealing sensitive data and exploiting enterprise tools. Generative AI accelerates reconnaissance, social engineering, and malware development, creating a faster, more sophisticated threat landscape that challenges defenses.

Key ransomware trends include:

• Data exfiltration surged 275.8% year over year, reaching 896.2 terabytes
• Manager-level employees in non-technical roles are increasingly targeted
• Average ransom payments rose 5.3% despite declining total payment volume

Explore the research to understand evolving tactics and disrupt attacks earlier.