Ransomware has become a significant hazard to enterprises globally, with attackers evolving their methods to cause more disruption and demand higher payouts. For business owners and leaders, staying ahead of these threats is critical to protecting their organizations. Below, we’ll explore the current trends in ransomware and the measures businesses can take to bolster their defenses.
Ransomware today: A shifting landscape
The ransomware threat landscape has never been more dynamic. While joint efforts by law enforcement and security agencies have led to takedowns of major ransomware groups, smaller and more agile gangs have quickly filled the void.
One key trend is the emergence of new ransomware strains, often rebranded or derived from leaked and purchased code. These groups are working faster, starting negotiations just hours after stealing data.
Most alarmingly, “double extortion” tactics have become the norm. Attackers no longer settle for encrypting company data; instead, they also steal sensitive information, threatening to leak it publicly unless their ransom demands are met. This shift has rendered encryption-only attacks nearly obsolete.
Certain sectors have also become primary targets for ransomware groups. Healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies remain top priorities for cybercriminals due to the sensitive nature of their data and their perceived vulnerability. These industries accounted for nearly half of publicly disclosed attacks in 2024, according to a BlackFog report.
For business owners and leaders outside of these sectors, it’s crucial to note that no industry is truly safe. The rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service, or RaaS, has made it easier for more and less skilled cybercriminals to target businesses of all sizes with advanced ransomware.
How law enforcement and enterprises are fighting back
Despite the growing complexity of ransomware, there is hope on the horizon. Law enforcement agencies and international collaborations have made significant headway in disrupting major ransomware operations. High-profile takedowns, such as Operation Cronos, have resulted in a decline in the overall volume of ransom payments — a promising trend for businesses worldwide.
However, the fight against ransomware doesn’t solely rest on external actors. Enterprises are adopting the following proactive measures to safeguard themselves:
- Implementing zero trust architecture – Zero trust is a security model that assumes that threats exist both outside and inside an organization, requiring strict verification for all users and devices attempting to access resources.
- Adopting endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions – EDR tools provide real-time visibility into the devices connected to a network, enabling businesses to detect, investigate, and swiftly respond to threats before they can cause significant damage.
- Conducting regular cybersecurity drills – Simulating an attack can help identify weaknesses, prepare employees, and ensure the organization can respond quickly and efficiently in the event of a real breach.
- Maintaining immutable backups – If ransomware infiltrates your system, immutable backups provide a secure way to restore operations without paying the ransom.
- Staying vigilant with patches and updates – Attackers cannot take advantage of outdated technology when you regularly update your software and systems.
- Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) tools – Just as attackers are exploring AI-based methods to enhance their operations, businesses can use AI for advanced threat detection and automated responses to preempt attacks.
Our security experts can help you build a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that includes proactive measures and rapid incident response capabilities. Contact us today to learn more about how we can protect your business from ransomware attacks.