PDI Report Highlights Accelerating Exploitation and Ransomware Trends
Summary
PDI says it analyzed more than 4 trillion security events. Its report describes rising exploit activity and ransomware, increased firewall targeting, and a post-enforcement drop in dark-web market activity as new infostealers filled the gap.
Key points
- PDI says its analysis drew on threat intelligence from monitored environments and global sources, covering January 1 through December 31, 2025.
- The report cites a 247% surge in exploit activity and a 35% year-over-year increase in ransomware.
- It reports 210% more firewall exploit attempts and says perimeter compromise can disrupt operations before detection.
- Ransomware rose 61% in Q4, which the report attributes to expanding access paths, including phishing, initial access brokers, supply-chain attacks, exposed software, social engineering, and credential stuffing.
- Dark-web market activity fell 24% after an enforcement action, but the report says new infostealers quickly filled the gap.
- PDI warns that stolen credentials can enable quiet access, while delayed detection can increase fraud and compliance risks.
Article Details
- Publisher
- PDI Technologies, Inc.
- Report Period
- Q1 2026; analysis covers January 1–December 31, 2025
- Scope
- Threat landscape analysis based on PDI-monitored environments and additional global sources, with emphasis on retail security.
- Sample Size
- More than 4 trillion security events analyzed.
- Key Statistics
- Exploit activity surged 247%; the report does not specify the comparison period.
- Ransomware increased 35% year over year.
- Firewall exploit attempts increased 210%; the report does not specify the comparison period.
- Ransomware surged 61% in Q4, attributed to expanding access paths.
- Dark web market activity declined 24% after an enforcement action; the report does not specify the timeframe.
- Recommendations
- Maintain continuous visibility across distributed environments and edge systems.
- Use 24/7 SOC-backed detection and rapid containment.
- Monitor retail environments using threat intelligence.
- Monitor for credential exposure and prioritize risk according to real-world exploitation trends.