Ransomware attacks on government agencies up in 2026, study shows

A study by Comparitech reveals that government agencies are increasingly targeted by ransomware attacks, with one incident reported daily. In the first half of 2026, 187 government entities experienced such attacks, marking a 13% rise from the previous six months. The US was the most affected, accounting for 31% of all attacks. The mean ransom demand was around $100,000, while a notable outlier was a $3.1 million demand. Common attackers included groups like The Gentlemen and Qilin. Experts recommend proactive cybersecurity measures, such as regular system updates and employee training, to mitigate risks.