Ransomware and Geopolitical Tensions Drive Cyber Threats Across META in Q1 2026

Cyber threats in the META region intensified in Q1 2026: researchers observed 116 ransomware incidents (with groups like Gentlemen, LockBit, Qilin, and Tengu) targeting construction, government, financial services, and energy; large-scale data leaks and underground trade of sensitive databases were reported; attackers rapidly exploited high-severity vulnerabilities (notably an Ivanti Endpoint Manager Mobile RCE), and elevated hacktivist activity tied to geopolitical tensions amplified disruption and risk.