As businesses increasingly rely on interconnected systems, cybercriminals have honed their tactics to strike at the most vulnerable times.

A recent survey and report from Semperis sheds light on a startling trend: ransomware attacks surge during periods of corporate downtime, such as holidays, weekends, and organizational transitions. This groundbreaking study, based on insights from 900 IT and security professionals across multiple industries and countries, underscores the pressing need for fortified defenses when staffing and attention are often diminished.

For CIOs and technology leaders, the holiday season and weekends are no longer just times for rest—they are also moments when cyber threats loom largest, making it vital to prepare with the right insights and defenses.

Ransomware Exploits the Weakest Moments

A defining revelation from the report is the intentional timing of ransomware attacks. An alarming 86% of surveyed organizations that experienced ransomware attacks were targeted on holidays or weekends. These are periods when security operations center (SOC) staffing typically drops—by as much as 50% for 85% of organizations.

The rationale is clear: reduced staffing equates to slower response times. Attackers leverage this lull to breach systems, often remaining undetected until significant damage has occurred.

One particularly vulnerable target is Microsoft’s Active Directory, identified as a critical point of access for identity-based attacks. Notably, 81% of surveyed organizations claimed to have the necessary expertise to prevent identity-related attacks, yet 83% suffered successful ransomware incidents within the past year.

The study emphasizes the need for automated identity protection and recovery systems. These tools are not merely a convenience; they are essential to maintaining operational resilience at all times.

2024 Ransomware Holiday Risk Report – Semperis

Corporate Events: A Cyberattack Magnet

Periods of major organizational change, such as mergers, acquisitions, and IPOs, emerged as another prime target for cybercriminals.

The report reveals that 63% of organizations experienced ransomware attacks during such corporate transitions. These events often create chaos, as leaders focus on immediate business priorities, leaving cybersecurity as an afterthought.

The integration of legacy systems during mergers frequently compounds vulnerabilities. As Sean Deuby, Principal Technologist at Semperis, notes, “If an adversary can infiltrate a weaker partner in a merger, they can leverage that foothold to compromise the stronger organization.” Additionally, insider threats from disgruntled employees in restructuring scenarios heighten risks.

Organizations see more success when prioritizing preemptive cybersecurity due diligence during these transitions. Ensuring the effectiveness of identity systems, such as Active Directory, is particularly crucial to mitigating risks.

Identity Protection: The Cornerstone of Resilience

The survey results reiterate that thorough and effective identity protection is central to defending against ransomware. Yet, 40% of organizations reported either insufficient budgets or uncertainty regarding funds allocated to securing identity systems like Active Directory. This gap is concerning, as identity systems are often referred to as “the keys to the kingdom” in cybersecurity.

Automated identity threat detection and response (ITDR) systems can prevent attacks from escalating and enable swift recovery. However, the study reveals worrying trends: only 34% of organizations test their identity backups quarterly, and 17% fail to test for vulnerabilities altogether.

Organizations can significantly benefit from adopting comprehensive ITDR strategies that include automated monitoring, incident response plans, and regular testing of recovery processes.

The Wrap

Ransomware is an ever-present threat, and the findings of the Semperis 2024 Holiday Risk Report illustrate how attackers exploit moments of distraction to their advantage. Whether during holidays, weekends, or major corporate transitions, these vulnerable moments highlight the critical need for heightened awareness and stronger cybersecurity measures.

For CIOs and technology leaders, the message is clear: investing in identity protection, maintaining SOC coverage during downtime, and integrating ITDR solutions into organizational operations is no longer optional—it is a business imperative.

As ransomware continues to evolve, the path to resilience begins with preparation. In cybersecurity, the best offense is a fortified defense, ready to act 24/7/365.