New Zscaler Report Reveals AI-Assisted Attackers Move to Massive Data Theft, Executive Targeting, and Millions in Extortion Payments
Zscaler released its ThreatLabz 2026 Ransomware Report, finding AI-assisted ransomware drove a more than 275% year-over-year increase in data theft, reaching 896.2 terabytes of exfiltrated data. Ransomware payments tracked via blockchain totaled $328 million, with the average payment up 5.3% to $431,995, and 62% of victims holding manager-level titles or above. ThreatLabz tracked 7,366 leak-site victims, down just 3% YoY, with 52 newly active ransomware groups identified; attackers increasingly abuse trusted tools like Microsoft Teams and Quick Assist.
Key figures
- Leak site victims
- 7366
- Average ransom yoy
- +5.3%
- Newly active groups
- 52
- Stolen data terabytes
- 896.2
- Average ransom payment
- $431,995
- Ransomware payments usd
- $328 million
- Manager level victim share
- 62%
- Ransomware data theft yoy growth
- +275%
AI analysis
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