Scandalous Foods Survey: Traditional Sweets Sales Surge 55% Pre-Festive, Outpacing Western Desserts

Mumbai, 16th October 2024: Scandalous Foods, a leading B2B innovator in Indian sweets for the restaurant and catering industry, has released a revealing survey detailing consumer preferences during the festive season. The report sheds light on the dominant position of traditional Indian sweets, which have surged ahead of Western desserts and ice creams in festive consumption patterns.

The survey, conducted among a mix of over 1,000 consumers and 100 restaurants, underscores a clear preference for classic Indian mithais prior to the festivities, which now account for 55% of all festive dessert sales. By comparison, Western desserts make up only 25% of sales, with ice creams and chocolates rounding out the remaining 20%. Rasmalai, Gulab Jamun, and innovative fusion desserts such as Rasmalai Tiramisu have emerged as top choices, especially in the HoReCa (Hotel/Restaurant/Catering) segment.

Scandalous Foods attributes this growth to several factors, including the growing trend toward healthier, innovative dessert options and a pricing strategy that resonates with both consumers and businesses. Expanding their distribution network from 400 to over 1,500 touchpoints in the last year alone has also contributed to the increased availability and accessibility of these beloved sweets, particularly during the festive season.

Commenting on the findings, Sanket S, Co-Founder of Scandalous Foods, stated, “It has never been in doubt that Indian sweets are world-beaters when it comes to satisfying sweet cravings, especially during festive seasons. Our latest survey reinforces that traditional mithais continue to hold a special place in the hearts of Indian consumers, particularly in moments of celebration. As we scale our operations and innovate with fusion desserts, we are excited to meet the evolving demands of the market while staying true to the rich heritage of Indian sweets.”

The survey also highlights the pivotal role that the HoReCa sector plays in the resurgence of traditional Indian desserts. Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) and cloud kitchens, in particular, have driven the surge in orders, with festive gifting also contributing strongly to sales growth. Additionally, the rise of fusion sweets, blending traditional and modern flavors, reflects a growing trend toward culinary experimentation, especially among younger consumers.

As the festive season continues to unfold, Scandalous Foods anticipates sustained demand for both classic and innovative sweets, predicting that Indian mithais will continue to capture a dominant share of the market well into the wedding season and beyond.

Justdial reports 47% Surge in organic food searches, India’s appetite for healthy living grows

The Indian organic food market is experiencing a meteoric rise, driven by a growing consumer awareness of the health benefits associated with organic products. According to a recent report by IMARC Group, the market size reached a substantial US$ 1,582.2 Million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21.19% to reach US$ 8,918.5 Million by 2032.

This surge in demand can be attributed to several factors, including a heightened understanding of the health hazards posed by chemical pesticides and fertilisers and a rising consciousness about the long-term benefits of organic food consumption. To meet this growing demand, businesses in the food industry are expanding their organic offerings and investing in sustainable farming practices. This has led to a surge in organic food-related searches across India. A recent study by Justdial, India’s No.1 local search engine, revealed a significant increase in searches for organic food manufacturers, retailers, farms, grocery stores, and product dealers.

Between June and August 2024, organic food searches across India witnessed a remarkable 47% increase compared to the previous quarter. This surge was particularly pronounced in metropolitan cities, with Mumbai leading the way at a staggering 90% increase. Other major cities like Pune (65%), Delhi (55%), Hyderabad (54%), Bangalore (40%), Chennai (38%), and Ahmedabad (24%) also saw significant growth in organic food searches during this period.

In non-metropolitan cities, organic food searches increased by 45% overall. Bhopal experienced a phenomenal increase in organic food with searches between June and August 2024 becoming 18 fold when compared to the previous quarter. Coimbatore also saw a substantial increase of 62%.

One of the most notable trends observed was the substantial rise in searches for organic food manufacturers, which saw a 79% overall increase in searches. The top cities for these searches were Pune, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Delhi. Organic food retailers saw a significant increase in searches, with a 68% overall rise. Bhopal witnessed the most dramatic increase, with searches reaching 49 times compared to the previous quarter. Other cities that saw spikes included Mumbai (152%), Hyderabad (106%), Delhi (100%), Bangalore (44%), and Chennai (40%).

Organic farms, grocery stores, and product dealers also experienced increased search interest. Organic farms saw a 31% overall increase, with the top cities being Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Pune. Organic grocery stores saw a 25% increase, with the top cities being Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. Organic product dealers saw a 13% increase, with Chennai being the top city for these searches.

These findings underscore the growing awareness and acceptance of organic food among Indian consumers. As the demand for organic products continues to rise, businesses in the food industry would do well to capitalise on this trend by offering a wider range of organic options and educating consumers about the benefits of organic living.

Chef at Residence- A Culinary Journey with Aunty Vandana Talreja at Roxie

Roxie is thrilled to unveil its “Chef at Residence” program, headlined by the exceptional Aunty Vandana Talreja, a celebrated chef known for her mastery of authentic, soulful cooking. For two weeks, Aunty Talreja will transform the Roxie dining experience with her iconic dishes—Keema Samosa and Dal Pakwan—inviting guests to savor the flavors of her rich culinary heritage.

More than just adding new items to the menu, Aunty Talreja will engage directly with diners, sharing the heartfelt stories behind each dish and collecting invaluable feedback to fine-tune the menu. Elevating this experience further, she will lead exclusive masterclasses, offering guests an inside look at the techniques behind her beloved recipes.

Though a pure vegetarian, Aunty Talreja’s expertise spans both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in every dish. Originally from Erode, Tamil Nadu, and now based in Bangalore, her passion for cooking and her talent for crafting authentic North Indian cuisine have earned her widespread admiration.

Roxie’s “Chef at Residence” program is a celebration of culinary tradition and innovation, designed to offer guests a truly immersive and memorable dining experience, connecting them to the roots of the food they love in a way that’s both intimate and inspiring.

Traqo Secures Pre-Seed Funding from We Founder Circle to Enhance Logistics with No-Code SaaS Platform

New Delhi, India –16 October 2024 – Traqo.io, a no-code Third-party logistics management platform for the manufacture, has raised an undisclosed amount in its pre-seed funding round, led by We Founder Circle. Promising to revolutionise logistics, the innovative platform offers real-time, integrated management solutions that eliminate the need for manual processes like spreadsheets and reduce operational inefficiencies.

Founded by Mukesh Deogune (IIT BHU), along with a seasoned team from Microsoft, HSBC, and Reliance, Traqo is already making waves in the logistics industry with its SaaS-based platform that covers the entire freight lifecycle—from procurement and tracking to audit and settlement. The platform claims to be 10x faster and cheaper than current market alternatives, providing stakeholders such as manufacturers,with powerful tools for streamlining their operations.

Mukesh Deogune, Founder of Traqo.io says “Traqo is enabling logistics stakeholders to manage their operations on a single, neutral platform, ensuring greater transparency, efficiency, and scalability. With the backing of We Founder Circle, we are set to expand our AI-driven features and empower businesses to gain full visibility and control over their logistics.”

We Founder Circle sees Traqo’s innovative approach to logistics management as a game-changer for industries fraught with challenges. “Solving a real-world problem, Traqo’s no-code platform has the potential to redefine how logistics is managed across sectors, offering businesses the ability to optimize every aspect of their freight lifecycle,” said Neeraj Tyagi, Co-Founder & CEO, We Founder Circle.

The No-Code-Saas platform offers an easy-to-customize, drag-and-drop modules for freight procurement, tracking, trip planning, SLA management, fund audit, and invoicing. It deploys a combination of SIM-based tracking, GPS, and toll gate data for real-time monitoring. Furthermore, it’s AI-based trip planner for route optimization and 3D load optimisation, allows organisations to achieve cost and operational efficiencies.

The innovative start-up has 51+ SMEs onboard and growing at 3X YOY. The start-up is further looking at a Total Addressable Market (TAM) of USD 215 billion, with pan-India and global opportunities.

The latest infusion of funds are going to be used for scaling Traqo’s AI and tech team, enhancing the platform to meet the growing demands for efficient logistics solutions in the manufacturing and e-commerce sectors. By offering a pay-as-you-go subscription model, Traqo provides cost-effective, flexible solutions that are accessible to businesses of all sizes.

Cellecor Gadgets Collaborates with Stars for Festive Smart TV Extravaganza

New Delhi, 16th October 2024: Cellecor Gadgets Limited, a pioneer in the consumer electronics industry, is pleased to announce its exciting festive collaboration with Bollywood legends Shakti Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Gulshan Grover, and Snehil Dixit Mehra. This power-packed promotion highlights Cellecor’s Smart TVs under the tagline, “Ab Happiness Banegi Aur Bhi Affordable,” redefining home entertainment and making it accessible to all.

Known for delivering cutting-edge technology at affordable prices, Cellecor is a leader in bringing high-performance electronics that enrich everyday life. This festive campaign celebrates more than just innovation—it highlights the joy, laughter, and togetherness that Cellecor Smart TVs bring to families during the festive season.

Through collaborations with these cherished icons, Cellecor expands its reach, harnessing their star power to forge a deeper bond with audiences across the country. Each celebrity infuses the campaign with their distinctive charisma, embodying Cellecor’s commitment to making premium technology accessible while spreading joy and positivity.

Mr. Ravi Agarwal, MD and Founder, Cellecor Gadgets Limited said “The campaign is set to spark excitement with engaging content, social media activations, and festive promotions, showcasing how Cellecor’s Smart TVs enhance the season’s celebrations. In a competitive market, Cellecor stands apart by offering feature-rich, budget-friendly Smart TVs, proving that “happiness doesn’t need to come at a high price.”

Stay tuned for thrilling promotions and events featuring our celebrity ambassadors throughout the festive season! Join Cellecor in making this festive season brighter and more affordable with our Smart TVs.

Tata Digital Launches Tata AIA’s Life Insurance Products on the Tata Neu App

National, October 16, 2024: Tata Digital, in association with Tata AIA Life Insurance, has introduced a comprehensive range of life insurance products on its platform, Tata Neu. This strategic move reinforces Tata Neu’s position as a one-stop-shop for customers’ financial needs.

To enhance the customer experience, the insurance buying process has been streamlined to just three clicks. Backed by customer data and insights, pre-approved offers are instantly presented, eliminating the need for elaborate documentation. Policy documents are then issued seamlessly and sent via email within seconds, providing a quick and seamless purchase journey. Consistent with Tata Neu’s reward proposition, customers can also earn NeuCoins, which can be redeemed across the Tata ecosystem, with additional benefits for Tata Neu HDFC Credit Card holders.

Leveraging Tata Neu’s digital capabilities, users can now seamlessly access a wide range of Tata AIA’s life insurance solutions tailored to their specific requirements. These include:
• Term life insurance solutions such as Maha Raksha Supreme Select with pre-approved sum assured of up to INR 2 crore, can now be purchased in a few clicks
• Wealth creation plans wherein customers can choose from over 10 Tata AIA equity funds. Notably, these funds have consistently outperformed their benchmark. Customers can do multiple fund switches without incurring any charges
• Other products to be offered soon include Fortune Guarantee Pension, which provides guaranteed income for life after retirement

Amreesh Kher, Chief Business Officer, Insurance, Tata Digital, expressing his enthusiasm for the collaboration, said, “Our partnership with Tata AIA Life Insurance marks a significant milestone for financial services on Tata Neu. The incredible response that we have seen in the first few days is a testament to the demand for accessible, affordable, and top-tier life insurance solutions. We’re empowering our customers to protect their assets and build wealth in a convenient and secure manner. Tata Neu’s user-friendly platform and digital capabilities provide the perfect channel to reach a wide range of customers and offer them tailored solutions that meet their specific needs.”

Jeelani Basha, President and Chief Distribution Officer, Alternate & Emerging Channels, Tata AIA added, “We are delighted to have our consumer centric solutions available on Tata Neu. This will enable us to make life insurance easily accessible to today’s digital native consumers through their preferred shopping platform, Tata Neu. We are committed to offering new age financial protection and wealth accumulation opportunities to Tata Neu’s consumers, thereby empowering them to live fikar-free.”

Tata Neu has become a preferred e-commerce app for millions of consumers, offering products across grocery, consumer durables, electronics, travel, hospitality etc. With the addition of life insurance solutions, Tata Neu further strengthens its position as a comprehensive financial services platform.

Tata AIA Life Insurance is a leading life insurance company in India, offering a diverse range of solutions including term cover, savings plans, investment plans, and retirement solutions.

ITC Grand Chola Leads Sustainability with Cleanliness Drive under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in Chennai

ITC Grand Chola, in collaboration with local communities and volunteers, successfully conducted a cleanliness drive along Race Course Road today. The initiative aimed to promote environmental consciousness, a cleaner and healthier environment, and contribute to the city’s efforts toward sustainability.

This large-scale effort was supported by over 25 volunteers, including ITC Grand Chola’s associates, all committed to keeping our surroundings clean and green. The drive, part of ITC Hotels’ larger environmental initiative, focused on removing waste, educating participants on proper waste management practices, and encouraging the public to take an active role in keeping public spaces clean. Participants were equipped with biodegradable waste bags, gloves, and safety equipment, ensuring a safe and eco-friendly clean-up.

“Our mission is to not just curate luxurious experiences, but also meaningful impact in the communities we serve. This cleanliness drive is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and our responsibility to give back to the environment,” said Shaariq Akhtar, General Manager, ITC Grand Chola. “We hope this initiative will inspire others to take action and be part of the larger effort to keep our city clean and green for generations to come.”

ITC Grand Chola continues to be a leader in environmental stewardship, setting an example for both corporate and community efforts in sustainable living and Responsible Luxury.

Magnus Farm Secures Strategic Investment to Drive Global Growth and Product Innovation

National, October 16th, 2024: Magnus Farm Fresh Pvt Ltd, a leading Indian producer and exporter of fresh fruits and vegetables, has confirmed that Tarun Singh, MD Highbrow Securities has acquired a 3.5% minority stake in the company. Singh, a seasoned investor with over two decades of experience supporting SMEs, seeks to leverage his expertise to accelerate the company’s growth and global expansion. The partnership also includes plans for product innovation, with a potential follow-up investment of USD 3 million within the next year, underscoring Singh’s commitment to the long-term success of Magnus Farm

The investment will accelerate Magnus Farm’s expansion, allowing it to diversify its product offerings and expand its workforce. Funds will be used to develop a state-of-the-art processed food line including Individually Quick Frozen (IQF), frozen, and retort products, as well as cultivate new fruit varieties, accelerating its global export capabilities and market presence.

With a network of over 3,000 growers across Maharashtra’s prime agricultural districts including Nashik, Sangli, Solapur, Pune, Osmanabad, and Ahmednagar; Magnus Farm has established a strong presence in key global markets, such as Europe, the UK, Russia, Southeast Asia, Canada, and the Middle East, supplying fresh produce to major supermarket chains like Edeka, NETTO, Superunie, Aldi, Lidl, Rewe and X5.

India’s food processing and export industry is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing global demand for premium-quality produce. Magnus Farm’s solid foundation and industry leadership position it well to capitalize on this momentum, making it an ideal choice for Singh’s strategic investment.

Mr. Tarun Singh explained, “My decision to invest in Magnus Farm stems from the food industry’s fundamental and timeless relevance. While other sectors can be unpredictable, the food sector offers a steady, and reliable growth, akin to the tortoise’s consistent pace in the fable. Magnus Farm impressed me with its compelling valuation, strong leadership, and innovative business model. I’m confident of their potential to lead the market. With my experience in the European food sector, I look forward to supporting their global expansion and helping them unlock new opportunities internationally.”

Since its inception, Magnus Farm has achieved impressive growth, increasing its revenue approximately 3 times from over INR 53 crore in FY 2020-21 to INR 150 crore in FY 2023-24. Mr. Singh further highlighted, “The company’s growth underscores the company’s robust expansion strategy and its ability to cater to both domestic as well as international markets and expand into high-demand regions like the Middle East and Southeast Asia.”

Laxman Savalkar, Founder and Director of Magnus Farm, echoed Mr. Singh’s sentiment and stated , “We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Tarun Singh as both an investor and strategic partner in Magnus Farm. His vast experience and deep insights will play a pivotal role as we drive forward our expansion plans and enhance our product range. Magnus Farms is committed to driving innovation and playing a pivotal role in India’s agriculture and food export sector by scaling to new heights in the global export market. With our association, we are excited about the next phase of growth and the opportunities that lie ahead for Magnus Farm.”

As part of its growth strategy, Magnus Farm is expanding its farmer networks and integrating advanced technology to optimize crop cycles. With a plan to increase its farmer base to 10,000 in the next two years, the company aims to ensure fair pricing, timely payments, and greater transparency across its supply chain. Magnus Farm’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is set to drive substantial growth across both domestic and international markets.

The investment in Magnus Farm reflects Tarun Singh’s strategic vision and commitment to driving value in the agri-sector. Known for his deep market insights and foresight, Singh has consistently demonstrated his ability to scale businesses and create long-term growth for his portfolio companies.

Singh’s track record is exemplified by his early investment in Srivari Spices & Foods Ltd., where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s growth strategy. By providing both strategic capital and guidance, he positioned Srivari for an immensely successful IPO, which yielded substantial returns on his investment and even managed to raise a subsequent round of funding through Rights Issue within a year of public listing.

Drukair firms up order for Airbus A321XLR, A320neo aircraft

Paro, Bhutan, 15 October 2024 – Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan, has firmed up an order with Airbus for three A320neo and two A321XLR aircraft to expand its international network. The agreement was sealed in Paro by Tandi Wangchuk, Chief Executive Officer of Drukair, and Paul Meijers, Executive Vice-President Contracts of Airbus, in presence of Yab Dasho Dhondup Gyaltshen, the Governor of the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, Dasho Penjore, the Bhutan Foreign Secretary and Chairperson of Drukair Board, Pema Choden, and Rémi Maillard, President of Airbus India and South Asia.

Deliveries starting from 2030 will support Drukair’s strategic expansion plans from its hubs at Paro International Airport and the upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) Airport. Both are set to boost connectivity to Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Drukair currently operates three A319s and one A320neo. The new A320neo and A321XLR models will bolster efficiency, fleet network and capacity to meet the growing demand for international travel to and from Bhutan.

The order is pivotal in Bhutan’s vision of fostering economic development and His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s vision to transform the Gelephu Mindfulness City, located in southern Bhutan, into a key economic hub.

“We are thrilled to formalise this purchase agreement with Airbus, marking a pivotal moment in Drukair’s journey to expand our international network. The addition of the A320neo and A321XLR aircraft not only enhances our fleet but also aligns with the visionary project of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). These state-of-the-art aircraft will enable us to connect Bhutan with Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. This partnership with Airbus will serve as a cornerstone in fostering Bhutan’s economic growth and furthering His Majesty’s vision for GMC as a key economic hub,” said Tandi Wangchuk, Chief Executive Officer of Drukair.

“Bhutan is entering a new era with the Gelephu Mindfulness City and Airbus is proud to be a partner in this transformative initiative. The latest aircraft order is a reaffirmation of the Drukair leadership’s astute vision of a future for Bhutan that is aligned to its unique approach to economic development and environmental well-being. The A320neo and A321XLR will prove to be a bridge to connect Bhutan to the wider world, leveraging their unrivaled range, passenger comfort and economic efficiency”, said Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia.

Drukair, headquartered in Paro, Bhutan, operates scheduled flights to 10 international destinations and three domestic locations. The airline continues to be a key player in connecting Bhutan with the world, fostering tourism, and facilitating economic growth.

The A320neo, is part of the world’s most efficient single aisle Family, delivering over 20% fuel burn and 50% noise reductions compared to previous generation aircraft. The largest member of the Family, the A321XLR offers an Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm with 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft. It promises enhanced passenger comfort with its new Airspace cabin, combining the benefits of a long-haul wide-body comfort with the efficiency of a single-aisle aircraft. Airbus has already secured more than 500 orders for the A321XLR.

Airbus’ A320 Family can operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and this will increase to up to 100% capability SAF by 2030. At the end of September 2024, the A321neo Family had sold over 6,700 aircraft to over 90 customers worldwide.

India Sees Second Highest Ransomware Attacks in APAC: Zscaler 2024 Report

Bangalore, INDIA, October 15, 2024 – Zscaler, Inc., the leader in cloud security, revealed in its annual Zscaler ThreatLabz 2024 Ransomware Report that India ranked second when it came to the volume of ransomware attacks successfully launched in the Asia Pacific and Japan region. This annual report analyzes the ransomware threat landscape from April 2023 to April 2024, tracking the latest attack trends, targeted sectors, ransomware families, and defense strategies.

Findings in the report uncovered an 18% overall increase in ransomware attacks year-over-year globally, as well as a record-breaking ransom payment of US$75 million – nearly double the highest publicly known ransomware payout – to the Dark Angels ransomware group. ThreatLabz believes Dark Angels’ success will drive other ransomware groups to use similar tactics, reinforcing the need for organizations to prioritize protection against rising and ever-more costly ransomware attacks.

“Ransomware defense remains a top priority for CISOs in 2024. The increasing use of ransomware-as-a-service models, along with numerous zero-day attacks on legacy systems, a rise in vishing attacks and the emergence of AI-powered attacks, has led to record breaking ransom payments,” said Deepen Desai, Chief Security Officer at Zscaler. “Organizations must prioritize Zero Trust architecture to strengthen their security posture against ransomware attacks. This is where an AI-powered Zero Trust platform like Zscaler helps organizations fast-track their segmentation journeys, reducing the blast radius as well as shutting down unknown vectors for future AI-driven attacks.”

India’s rapid digital transformation, coupled with widespread AI and machine learning adoption, has positioned the country as a prime target for sophisticated cyber threats. ThreatLabz observed nearly 1.3 billion (135%) more AI transactions in APJ than EMEA—largely driven by the high volume of transactions coming from India. The report reveals that ransomware extortion attacks have consistently surged across industries, with the number of victim companies listed on data leak sites increasing by nearly 58% since last year.

While the manufacturing sector remains the most targeted in India, accounting for 28.89% of attacks, other industries such as healthcare (8.9%), technology (6.67%), pharmaceutical (6.67%), and financial services (8.9%) also faced significant risks. The report also highlighted the rise in AI-powered cyberattacks, emphasizing the importance of Zero Trust architecture to combat evolving threats.

Despite the global surge in ransomware, India remained relatively flat in terms of growth in successful ransomware attacks – from logging 62 incidents in 2023 to 60 in 2024. However, ransomware attacks still remain a cause of concern, with vulnerabilities continuing to grow in light of the rising adoption of AI-driven attack vectors by threat actors.

“India is at the forefront of digital transformation – leading the way on a global platform when it comes to the adoption of emerging technologies, such as AI/ML, to drive innovation. However, its successes have also drawn the attention of threat actors, making it a prime target for sophisticated cyber threats, including ransomware attacks. With the government’s increased focus on driving cybersecurity resilience, it is more crucial than ever for Indian enterprises to adopt zero trust security frameworks,” said Suvabrata Sinha, CISO in residence, India at Zscaler. “Our AI-powered zero trust platform is designed to mitigate risks, protect sensitive data, and ensure business continuity in an increasingly hostile cyber environment. By prioritizing zero trust, Indian businesses can better protect their digital assets, align with the government’s initiatives, and maintain resilience against emerging cyber threats.”

ThreatLabz also identified the most active ransomware families in India, with LockBit leading at 23.33%, followed by BianLian at 16.67%, BlackCat (11.67%), 8Base (10%), and Mallox (5%). Globally, LockBit (22%), BlackCat (9%), and 8Base (8%) remain the top threats, with emerging groups like Dark Angels expected to drive future attacks.

Zscaler remains committed to helping organizations minimize their attack surface, prevent initial compromises, eliminate lateral movement, and stop data loss through its Zero Trust Exchange™ platform. This AI-powered platform is designed to mitigate risks, protect sensitive data, and ensure business continuity in an increasingly hostile cyber environment.

Zscaler helps enterprises stop ransomware with zero trust security

From initial reconnaissance and compromise to lateral movement, data theft and payload execution, Zscaler helps organizations stop ransomware at every stage of the attack cycle:

· Minimize the attack surface: Zscaler effectively minimizes the attack surface by hiding users, applications and devices behind a cloud proxy, where they are not visible or discoverable from the internet.

· Prevent initial compromise: The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange employs extensive TLS/SSL inspection, browser isolation, advanced inline sandboxing and policy-driven access controls to prevent users from accessing malicious websites as well as detect unknown threats before they reach your network.

· Eliminate lateral movement: Leverage user-to-app or app-to-app segmentation so that users connect directly to applications (and apps to other apps), not the network, eliminating the risk of lateral movement.

· Stop data loss: Inline data loss prevention measures, combined with full TLS/SSL inspection, effectively thwart data theft attempts. Zscaler ensures that data is secured both in transit and at rest.

For a deeper dive into best practices for protecting your organization and the full findings, download the Zscaler ThreatLabz 2024 Ransomware Report.

Methodology

The research methodology for this report is a comprehensive process that uses multiple data sources to identify and track ransomware trends. The report team collected data from a variety of sources between April 2023 and April 2024.

To identify and understand ransomware activity, Zscaler utilizes its global security cloud processing over 500 trillion daily signals, blocking 9 billion threats daily, and delivering 250,000+ security updates. The ThreatLabz Threat Intelligence team tracks ransomware families at scale through reverse engineering and automating malware analysis to develop effective response strategies. ThreatLabz also works closely with international law enforcement agencies and has played a significant role in recent actions, including Operation Duck Hunt and Operation Endgame.