The first half of 2026 reinforced a familiar reality in ransomware: a small number of highly capable operators continue to drive a disproportionate share of global attacks. Among them, Qilin ransomware emerged as the most active threat group tracked by Cyble Research and Intelligence Labs (CRIL), demonstrating the scale and reach of today’s ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) ecosystem. CRIL observed Qilin targeting organizations across multiple regions and industries, with activity spanning North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and other global markets. Its widespread campaigns highlight how modern ransomware groups leverage affiliate networks, purchased access, and proven extortion techniques to maintain sustained operational momentum.

Download the Cyble H1 2026 Cyber Threat Landscape Report for the full analysis.

Breaking Down the Qilin Ransomware Operation 

Qilin’s activity was particularly significant in North America, where the group accounted for 370 ransomware attacks during H1 2026. This represented nearly one-fifth of all ransomware incidents recorded in the region. The group also maintained a strong presence in Europe and the UK, claiming 158 attacks, while Asia-Pacific recorded 64 incidents linked to Qilin. In South America, the group was responsible for 40 attacks, further demonstrating its ability to operate across diverse geographic environments. Rather than concentrating on a single market, Qilin followed a broad targeting strategy designed to maximize opportunities across industries. 

Targeting Sectors Where Downtime Hurts Most 

Qilin’s victim profile reflected a common ransomware strategy: focusing on organizations where operational disruption creates immediate pressure.  Manufacturing organizations remain especially attractive because ransomware incidents can interrupt production lines and affect supply chains. Healthcare organizations face additional pressure due to the critical nature. Construction, Healthcare, and Professional Services were among the sectors most frequently targeted. These industries often depend on continuous availability, hold sensitive information, and face significant financial or regulatory consequences when systems are disrupted.  Manufacturing organizations remain especially attractive because ransomware incidents can interrupt production lines and affect supply chains. Healthcare organizations face additional pressure due to the critical nature of their services and the sensitivity of patient information.  Professional Services firms, including legal and consulting organizations, also represent valuable targets because they manage confidential client data that can increase the impact of double-extortion campaigns. 

The RaaS Model Behind Qilin’s Growth 

Qilin’s success reflects the maturity of the ransomware-as-a-service model. Instead of relying on a single internal team to handle every stage of an attack, RaaS groups operate through specialized ecosystems that include affiliates, initial access brokers, and other underground service providers.  This structure allows ransomware brands to expand quickly, launch simultaneous campaigns, and maintain activity even as individual operators face disruption. The continued success of groups like Qilin shows why ransomware remains difficult to contain. Law enforcement actions and infrastructure takedowns can affect individual operations, but decentralized affiliate models allow new campaigns to continue.

Defending Against the Qilin Threat 

The group’s activity reinforces several priorities for organizations: reducing exposed attack surfaces, strengthening identity controls, monitoring suspicious access activity, and preparing for data theft alongside encryption.  Since ransomware operators increasingly rely on stolen credentials and compromised infrastructure, security programs must focus on preventing initial access as much as responding to active attacks. 

To explore Qilin’s attack patterns, global ransomware trends, targeted industries, and the broader threat landscape observed in H1 2026, download the complete Cyble H1 2026 Cyber Threat Landscape Report.