Cybersecurity Threats Escalate as Ransomware Payments Plummet

A recent spate of high-profile cybersecurity breaches and vulnerabilities has underscored the increasing threat to digital security, as hackers continue to evolve their tactics and exploit weaknesses in online defenses. Despite this, the number of ransomware victims paying hackers has plummeted to a record low, according to new data.

One of the latest breaches involves French DIY store chain ManoMano, which has notified customers of a data breach affecting 38 million individuals. The breach, which occurred in January 2026, was caused by hackers compromising a third-party service provider. ManoMano has confirmed that the breach resulted in the unauthorized extraction of personal data associated with customer accounts and customer service interactions.

In another significant development, Japanese cybersecurity software firm Trend Micro has patched two critical vulnerabilities in its Apex One endpoint security platform. The vulnerabilities, tracked as CVE-2025-71210 and CVE-2025-71211, allow attackers to gain remote code execution (RCE) on vulnerable Windows systems.

Meanwhile, Juniper Networks has warned of a critical vulnerability in its PTX Series routers, which could allow an unauthenticated attacker to execute code remotely with root privileges. The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2026-21902, is caused by incorrect permission assignment in the 'On-Box Anomaly Detection' framework.

French professional football club Olympique de Marseille has also confirmed that it was recently the target of a cyberattack, following claims by a threat actor that they had breached some of the club's servers. The threat actor has leaked a sample of the allegedly stolen information on a hacking forum, claiming to have stolen a database containing Olympique Marseille staff and supporter information.

Despite these high-profile breaches, the number of ransomware victims paying hackers has dropped to a record low, according to blockchain intelligence platform Chainalysis. The payment rate has fallen to 28% in 2025, down from 62.8% in 2024 and 78.9% in 2022. This decline is likely due to a combination of factors, including improved cybersecurity measures and a growing awareness of the risks associated with paying ransom demands.

However, the total number of ransomware attacks has surged by 50% year-over-year, highlighting the ongoing threat to online security. As hackers continue to evolve their tactics and exploit weaknesses in digital defenses, it is essential for individuals and organizations to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves against these threats.

In conclusion, the recent spate of cybersecurity breaches and vulnerabilities serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat to online security. While the decline in ransomware payments is a positive trend, it is essential to remain cautious and take proactive steps to protect against these threats. By staying informed and taking steps to improve digital defenses, individuals and organizations can reduce their risk of falling victim to these types of attacks.