As the digital world evolves, so do the cyberthreats. At the forefront of these challenges is ransomware, a type of malicious software that locks you out of your own digital devices and files, unless you pay. To date, this malware continues to make headlines with high-profile attacks and the development of new variants.

To help you understand the current ransomware threats and feel confident and secure online, this article will provide you with the latest developments and insights, and offer ways to protect your information.

Ransomware fundamentals

Ransomware acts as a digital kidnapper for your files, holding your digital life hostage. Once it has been embedded into your device, it works in one of two ways: It can either lock your entire device, making it completely unusable, or scramble or encrypt your individual files—photos, documents, everything—so you can no longer open them. The criminals then display a message demanding payment, usually in cryptocurrency, in exchange for the key to unlock your data.

However, paying is never a guarantee that these criminals will restore your access, and only fuels more attacks. Understanding these current ransomware threats is the first step toward confidently protecting yourself.

→ Dig Deeper: 7 Tips to Stay Safe from Bitcoin and Crypto Scams

Cryptocurrency as the preferred payment

In recent years, ransomware attackers have started to demand payment in the form of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, because this unregulated currency is harder to trace than a traditional bank transfer. There’s no central bank or authority that can easily block or reverse the transaction.

Furthermore, digital currency transfers can happen quickly across international borders without the red tape of the conventional banking system. This combination of speed and perceived anonymity makes it the payment method of choice for criminals.

Understanding this piece of the puzzle empowers you. It highlights why preventing an attack with strong security and reliable backups is so much better than ever being put in the difficult position of dealing with a ransom demand.

Entry point through social engineering

Cybercriminals know that the easiest way to intrude into a secure system is primarily through social engineering attacks such as phishing, where people are manipulated into giving up confidential information.

For instance, in a phishing attack, you could be tricked into clicking on a malicious link in a legitimate-looking and urgent text message about your delayed package or unknowingly opening infected attachments from your bank. Your action may automatically download the ransomware or lead you to a compromised website that asks you to log-in credentials.

Other methods that cybercriminals use to attack networks or devices include exploiting software vulnerabilities or through compromised websites that host exploit kits. Once inside, the ransomware runs its malicious payload, which encrypts files, locks the system, or displays fake warnings to extort money from the user.

Emerging ransomware trends in 2025 and onward

The way cybercriminals use ransomware is evolving, adding new tactics with the help of various tools and resources. Here are some ransomware trends you should be aware of in 2025:

Ransomware-as-a-service

Ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) is a business model where skilled hacker groups develop and maintain the ransomware tools, then lease them out to other criminals, called affiliates, for a monthly fee or a cut of the profits. This means an attacker doesn’t need to be a technical genius to cause widespread damage. This trend dramatically increases the number of attackers out there, making threats more common.

AI-powered attacks

Cybercriminals are now using artificial intelligence (AI) to make their attacks more effective. AI can help them write flawless, hyper-personalized phishing emails that are very difficult to distinguish from real ones and can even automate parts of the attack process.

These new scams will use data from your public social media profiles to create incredibly convincing scenarios. More advanced attackers are also developing evasive malware that can change its own code and behavior in real-time to avoid being detected by traditional security software.

Targeting your identity

Attackers are increasingly shifting from hacking in to simply logging in by buying stolen credentials such as usernames and passwords from the dark web. These credentials are then used to gain access to your accounts and networks without having to break through complex defenses.

Focus on critical services

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting critical infrastructure, including healthcare, manufacturing, and government agencies. These attacks can cause significant real-world disruption, from delaying medical care to halting production lines.

Encryption-less extortion

A newer, faster tactic for criminals involves skipping the file encryption altogether. Instead, they steal sensitive data and pressure the victim into paying by threatening to leak the information online.

Exploiting the Internet of Things

Your smart devices, such as TVs, CCTV cameras, and smart speakers, often have weaker security than your computer or phone. Attackers are increasingly targeting these devices to infiltrate your home network, from where they can launch a wider ransomware attack on your more valuable devices.

Automated attack deployment

Hackers use automated tools to constantly scan the internet for vulnerable systems, such as an outdated business server or personal computer. This automation allows them to identify potential targets at a massive scale and launch attacks far more quickly and broadly than a human ever could.

Attacks on virtual and augmented reality

As more of our work and social lives move into emerging metaverse platforms, criminals may follow and steal digital assets or hold virtual spaces for ransom. This highlights the importance of applying strong security principles, such as using unique passwords and two-factor authentication, to these new digital frontiers.

Deepfake-as-a-Service for extortion

The rise of services on the dark web could allow criminals to easily create deepfake audios or videos and use these to impersonate a family member in crisis or a CEO authorizing a wire transfer. Pre-establishing a “safe word” among your family members or a secondary verification method for urgent, high-stakes requests is an excellent way to thwart ransomware attacks.

The impact of ransomware attacks

The impact of ransomware attacks on individuals can be deeply personal, financially damaging, and emotionally stressful. Here’s a breakdown of how ransomware affects people at an individual level:

  • Loss of access to personal files: You could lose access to your personal files such as photos, documents, videos, and important records (e.g., tax files, medical info). If there are no backups, those files may be lost permanently unless the ransom is paid—and even then, recovery isn’t guaranteed.
  • Financial loss: You may feel pressured to pay the ransom, which could amount to thousands of dollars. There’s no guarantee that paying will restore your access. Other costs may include buying new hardware or software, hiring IT/security professionals, and lost productivity if you rely on your devices for work or school.
  • Emotional and psychological stress: Feelings of violation, fear, and helplessness are common. The sudden loss of control over your personal data can cause anxiety, panic, or depression. You may even blame yourself for clicking a malicious link or not having adequate protection.
  • Identity theft and data exposure: Some ransomware doesn’t just encrypt files. It also steals personal data. This can lead to identity theft, unauthorized use of credit cards, or social media account hijacking.

Alarming ransomware statistics in 2025

Recent ransomware research shows that attacks are becoming more frequent and costly than ever. The average cost to recover from an attack—excluding any ransom paid—runs in the millions of dollars. These ransomware statistics in 2025 highlight that the financial and operational impact on both businesses and individuals is massive, making prevention an essential part of our daily digital lives.

  • Attack volumes are surging. The first quarter of 2025 saw a massive 213% increase year-on-year in victims listed on data leak sites. This highlights the importance of having active protection at all times, as the chances of encountering a threat have gone up significantly.
  • Small and mid-sized businesses are prime targets. While major corporations make headlines, the majority of attacks target smaller companies. This could include your local doctor, accountant, or favorite online shop that stores your personal data, making your own security practices even more vital.
  • Healthcare remains a critical target. The healthcare sector consistently ranks among the most attacked industries. An attack here doesn’t just threaten data; it can disrupt patient care. This underscores the real-world consequences of cybercrime and the need to protect all accounts, especially those containing sensitive health information.
  • Recovery costs far exceed the ransom. According to a recent ransomware report, the average cost to recover from an attack, excluding the ransom itself, is about $1.53 million in 2025. This includes IT overtime, system restoration, and lost business. While this is lower than last year’s $2.73 million, this is still a staggering figure.

These reports demonstrate that attackers are getting smarter, faster, and more focused on exploiting the human element. An attack could originate from a source that looks perfectly legitimate. Other reports highlight the boom in credential theft, with attackers simply logging in with stolen passwords rather than hacking their way in. This trend means you should be extra vigilant about using strong, unique passwords for every account and enabling multi-factor authentication.

Ransomware variants in the news

  • LockBit: This ransomware was one of the most widespread threats in that period, known for rapidly encrypting files. LockBit operates on a RaaS model, meaning its tools are leased out to many different criminal groups.
  • BlackCat, a.k.a ALPHV: This group is considered highly sophisticated. known for putting extra pressure on victims by not only stealing and locking data, but also by threatening to launch distributed denial-of-service attacks that can knock a company’s website offline.
  • Play: This ransomware variant is known for targeting large organizations in government, finance, and healthcare. The group behind Play is skilled at finding and exploiting specific security weaknesses in a target’s network to gain entry and launch their attack.

Counter emerging ransomware tactics

To counter ransomware threats, you must look beyond polished emails and focus on contextual clues, behavioral anomalies, and layered defense strategies.

  • Be skeptical of phishing: When receiving unsolicited messages, ask yourself, “Was I expecting this email or request?” Always hover over links before clicking to reveal their true destination. Verify it through a separate channel, like calling the company or person directly using a known phone number.
  • Secure your smart home devices: Change the default password on every device as soon as you set it up. Regularly check the manufacturer’s app or website for firmware updates and install them. For added security, consider placing your devices on a separate guest Wi-Fi network to isolate them from your computers and phones.
  • Defend against encryption-less extortion: Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all your critical online accounts such as email, banking, and social media. MFA adds a powerful security layer that stops attackers even if they have your password. Be mindful of what you share online and review your privacy settings.
  • Use proactive security software. The foundation of your defense is a comprehensive security solution. McAfee Total Protection and McAfee+ stop known threats in their tracks through advanced AI, giving you expert protection that’s always on, always learning, and always defending you.
  • Maintain regular, offline backups. By regularly backing up your important files to an external hard drive or a secure cloud service—and keeping that backup disconnected from your computer—you create a safety net. If you’re ever targeted, you can restore your files without worry, making the attacker’s threats completely powerless and putting you in control.
  • Practice digital vigilance. Develop a healthy skepticism toward unsolicited emails and texts, especially those that create a sense of urgency. Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts and enable MFA wherever possible. These simple habits make you a much harder target for criminals to crack.
  • Keep all software updated. By enabling automatic updates for your operating system, web browsers, and other applications, you close these digital doors. This simple act of maintenance is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep attackers out.

FAQs

What are the most common ways ransomware infects a device?

The most frequent methods of infection are through malicious email attachments and links, drive-by downloads, and exploiting unpatched software vulnerabilities. Attackers may also use social engineering to trick you into downloading malicious files.

Can I get my files back without paying the ransom?

Sometimes, yes. Cybersecurity researchers often develop decryption tools for specific ransomware strains. Websites like No More Ransom offer a collection of these tools for free. However, your best defense is having a recent, offline backup of your important files, allowing you to restore them without engaging with the criminals.

Is my Mac safe from ransomware?

No. While less common than Windows-based ransomware, Mac-specific variants exist and are becoming more sophisticated. It’s crucial for Mac users to adopt strong security practices, including using a reliable antivirus solution.

→ Dig Deeper: Do Macs need antivirus?

How do I know if my system is infected with ransomware?

The most obvious sign is a ransom note appearing on your screen, demanding payment to decrypt your files. You may also notice that you can’t open your files, and their file extensions may have been changed to something unfamiliar (e.g., .locked, .encrypted, .!@#). Slow system performance is also an early indicator.

Helpful resources about ransomware

A growing number of reliable tools, response frameworks, and educational platforms are available to help you prevent, detect, and recover from ransomware incidents. Below is a curated list of essential ransomware resources to support your cybersecurity readiness:

  • The No More Ransom project: This is a joint initiative by law enforcement and IT security companies to help ransomware victims retrieve their encrypted data without having to pay the criminals. You can find free decryption tools for many ransomware variants here.
  • McAfee Threat Center: Stay informed with the latest research, threat intelligence, and ransomware updates from our global team of cybersecurity experts. Read our latest threat blogs.
  • Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency: Get official guidance and alerts from the U.S. government on how to protect yourself and your organization from ransomware.

Final thoughts

Ransomware is no longer just a niche concern for IT departments—it’s a global challenge that affects individuals and organizations of all sizes and sectors. Fueled by the emergence of AI, criminals are automating the hunt for vulnerable targets, scanning the internet to identify businesses or individuals with weak security defenses who are more likely to pay.

Remember, however, that AI has a dual nature. Just as attackers use AI as a tool for crime, security organizations like McAfee use it for your defense. McAfee’s protection is powered by advanced, proprietary AI that is constantly learning from global threat data to predict and block these cyber attacks before they can harm you.

In addition, staying informed and proactive can make all the difference. By practicing good digital habits, leveraging trusted resources, continuously educating yourself, and installing a comprehensive online security solution, you can significantly reduce the risk and impact of an attack. With the right tools and awareness, you can be cyber resilient against ransomware.