Ransomware attacks remained prevalent, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) being the primary targets, accounting for 37% of victims in 2024, up from 34% the previous year.

The surge in cyberattacks was particularly pronounced during the Paris Olympic Games, where Anssi's report titled 'Panorama de la cybermenace' highlighted numerous destabilization attacks.

Universities and higher education institutions represented 12% of ransomware attack victims, highlighting the widespread impact of these cyber threats.

Despite the heightened fears of cyberattacks during the Paris Olympics, Anssi confirmed that no incidents disrupted the events, marking a success for their cybersecurity measures.

French President Emmanuel Macron has previously emphasized the importance of cybersecurity and pledged significant funding to combat emerging threats.

Anssi observed a significant rise in destabilization attacks aimed at disrupting infrastructure operations, moving away from financially motivated or espionage-related motives.

The report noted a concerning trend of increased attacks exploiting vulnerabilities in cybersecurity equipment, such as firewalls and VPNs, which can serve as entry points for attackers.

France's National Agency for the Security of Information Systems (Anssi) reported a 15% increase in cyberattacks in 2024, totaling 4,386 security incidents compared to the previous year.

Espionage-related attacks were notably resource-intensive, with attackers linked to Russian strategic interests focusing on information that could support military or diplomatic efforts.

Anssi's director, Vincent Strubel, indicated that many of these attacks were executed by pro-Russian and pro-Palestinian hacktivist groups, some of which may have state affiliations.

Throughout the year, attacks targeted various infrastructures, including renewable energy sites, the State Interministerial Network (RIE), and telecommunications.

Strubel mentioned alarming threats from pro-Russian groups, including plans to contaminate the Seine by attacking sewage treatment plants during the Olympics.