In its 2025 European Threat Landscape report, CrowdStrike has revealed some alarming trends in cyber-attacks, placing Europe as the second-most targeted region globally, right behind North America. The report highlights that organizations operating within Europe are not only frequently targeted, but are also at the center of a significant percentage of global cybercrime. In particular, over 22% of worldwide ransomware attacks are traced back to entities within the European continent, underscoring the growing prominence of Europe as a hotspot for malicious cyber activity.
The report paints a stark picture of the speed and severity of modern cyber-attacks. On average, it only takes 24 hours for a cyber-attack to successfully compromise a server. This rapid timeframe emphasizes the vulnerability of both public and private sector organizations to sophisticated and fast-moving cyber threats. One notable example from this year’s findings is the Scattered Spider hacking group, a particularly notorious cybercriminal collective. This group has been linked to a series of high-profile breaches, including attacks on several British servers, notably the data of major retailers like Marks and Spencer. Scattered Spider has emerged as one of the most profitable hacking groups of 2025, making millions from their ransomware attacks.
CrowdStrike’s report also highlights the increasing sophistication of cybercrime, particularly with the rise of “malware-as-a-service” operations. These services offer ransomware and phishing kits to other cybercriminals for a fee, democratizing cybercrime and making it easier for even relatively inexperienced attackers to launch devastating campaigns. This has not only increased the volume of attacks but has also made it more difficult for security agencies to track and counter these threats effectively.
Geopolitical tensions continue to influence the nature of cyber-attacks. The report identifies several nation-state actors as key perpetrators, with Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran being the primary culprits behind a significant number of attacks targeting Western nations, including those in Europe. These adversaries are often suspected of using cyber tools as part of broader geopolitical strategies, aiming to undermine the stability of rival nations. Their tactics range from espionage to disruption of critical infrastructure.
Among the sectors being targeted, educational institutions have emerged as the top focus of cybercriminals in 2025. The education sector, historically seen as an easy target due to its often outdated security protocols and large repositories of personal and sensitive data, is now the most frequent victim of cybercrime in Europe. Universities, research centers, and schools are increasingly finding themselves caught in the crosshairs of cybercriminals, who exploit vulnerabilities to either steal data or launch ransomware attacks.
The growing prevalence of cyberwarfare tactics is another concerning trend highlighted in the report. As nations increasingly rely on digital tools to disrupt the operations of their adversaries, cyber-attacks are becoming a key element of geopolitical conflicts. The report points out that ransomware attacks, as well as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, are the primary methods employed by state-sponsored actors to target the critical infrastructure of their enemies. These tactics are not only used to cause disruption but also to send powerful messages of power and influence in the ongoing cyber arms race.
In conclusion, the CrowdStrike 2025 European Threat Landscape report paints a grim picture of the current state of cybersecurity in Europe. As cybercriminals grow more sophisticated and geopolitical tensions escalate, the need for robust cybersecurity strategies, faster threat detection, and better defense mechanisms is more critical than ever. With ransomware, DDoS attacks, and malware-as-a-service on the rise, European organizations must be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding against the evolving and increasingly dangerous cyber threat landscape.