The State of Ransomware 2025
Before diving into the state of ransomware in 2025, we feel it's necessary to cover some history and background information.
Ransomware is a type of malicious software (commonly referred to as "malware") designed to hold data or devices hostage until a ransom is paid. It typically encrypts files on a device, rendering them unusable, and demands payment in exchange for decryption keys. In most cases, the ransom payment is demanded in the form of cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin. This makes it nearly impossible to track and therefore, highly unlikely that the individual(s) will be prosecuted.
Ransomware first emerged as a significant cybersecurity threat all the way back in 2005, though the earliest forms were initially grouped into a subcategory of scareware. However, it wasn't until 2013 with the introduction of CryptoLocker that ransomware began to gain widespread attention and became a much bigger issue. Since then, ransomware has continued to evolve, with new strains and delivery mechanisms emerging daily. By 2016, ransomware-as-a-service (Raas) models had become prevalent, allowing cybercriminals to easily distribute ransomware through criminal partnerships.
The Escalating Ransomware Crisis for SMBs
Between 2023 and 2025, Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) have transitioned from being opportunistic targets to primary objectives for a multitude of ransomware operations. This strategic shift is driven by threat actor's perception of SMBs as entities possessing valuable data and the capacity to pay ransoms yet often lacking the extensive cybersecurity resources and personnel of larger enterprises.
Consequently, SMBs are frequently viewed as "softer" targets, more susceptible to compromise and more likely to remit payment to avoid catastrophic operational disruptions. The proliferation of the Ransomware-as-a-service (Raas) model has further exacerbated this crisis by significantly lowering the technical barrier of entry for less-skilled attackers. This democratization of cybercrime has led to a substantial increase in the volume and diversity of ransomware threats confronting SMBs globally.
Key Ransomware Variants and Prevailing Trends
Numerous ransomware variants, encompassing both established syndicates and newly emergent groups, have demonstrated a significant capability to impact SMBs throughout the 2023 - 2025 period. Notably, operations such as 8Base, Akira, and Medusa have exhibited either explicit targeting or a disproportionate impact on smaller enterprises. Concurrently, newer entrants into the ransomware arena, including DragonForce, Meow, and KillSec, are increasingly adopting aggressive multi-extortion tactics specifically directed at the SMB sector.
Prevailing trends observed during this period include the escalating use of double and triple extortion techniques, where attackers not only encrypt the data but also exfiltrate it and threaten public release or direct victim / partner contact. Common attack vectors involve the exploitation of unpatched software vulnerabilities, weaknesses in Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and Virtual Private Network (VPN) implementations, and increasingly sophisticated phishing campaigns, often augmented by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance their credibility and effectiveness.
A Call to Action for SMBs
A critical realization for SMBs must be the obsolescence of any "security through obscurity" mindset; the threat is palpable, pervasive, and continuously evolving. Additionally, SMBs can no longer maintain the "we have nothing worth stealing" sentiment. Every SMB has data and a customer base, and attackers have no issue deploying ransomware that could potentially put an SMB out of business for a $500 ransom. Proactive defensive strategies, the development of robust incident response plans, and a sustained vigilance are no longer optional but essential for survival. The consistent application of fundamental cyber hygiene principles, augmented by advanced threat detection capabilities and comprehensive employee training, forms the bedrock of organizational resilience against these persistent threats.
The data gathered between 2023 and early 2025 reveals a concerning paradox: while a significant majority of SMBs report being knowledgeable about cybersecurity risks and even claim to have incident response plans in place, there is a substantial lag in the actual investment in and deployment of effective, modern security measures. For instance, the same report indicates that only 36% of SMBs are investing in new tools, and a mere 11% have adopted AI-powered defenses. Other findings show that only 20-34% have implemented crucial measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and robust password policies, and a concerning 71% have not deployed adequate endpoint security solutions.
This "awareness-action gap" represents a critical vulnerability. Attackers are adept at exploiting these deficiencies, meaning that perceived preparedness without concrete, resource-backed implementation of security controls offer little genuine protection. This gap underscores that awareness campaigns, while important, are insufficient if not followed by tangible investments and the diligent application of security best practices.
Why SMBs Are Prime Targets
Firstly, attackers often perceive SMBs as possessing weaker security postures compare to large enterprises. This perception stems from the reality that many SMBs have less mature cybersecurity programs, fewer dedicated security personnel, and smaller budgets allocated to advanced security tools and expertise. This resource disparity can lead to unpatched vulnerabilities, misconfigured systems, and inadequate monitoring, rendering them "low-hanging fruit" for attackers seeking easier paths to compromise.
Secondly, the high impact of disruption on SMBs makes them susceptible to extortion. Unlike larger corporations that might have extensive disaster recovery systems and the financial resilience to withstand prolonged outages, SMBs can be critically affected by operational downtime and data loss. The potential for business collapse or severe reputational damage may compel them to pay smaller ransoms more quickly to restore operations. Indeed, one report indicates that 75% of SMBs state they could not continue operating if successfully hit with ransomware.
Thirdly, the pervasive myth of "security through obscurity" - the belief that an organization is too small to be targeted - has been thoroughly debunked. Attackers are increasingly casting wider nets, employing automated tools and RaaS platforms to target a high volume of organizations indiscriminately. Statistics confirm this trend, with reports showing that up to 50% of cyberattacks now target SMBs, and another indicating that 43% of all cyberattacks in 2024 were aimed at small businesses.
Finally, despite their size, SMBs often hold valuable data. This can include customer Personally Identifiable Information (PII), financial records, employee data, and proprietary intellectual property. Such data is attractive to attackers for direct extortion or for sale on dark web marketplaces, further motivating attacks. The exfiltration of this data, often preceding encryption, forms the basis of double extortion tactics commonly employed by modern ransomware groups.
What Should SMBs Do?
Robust Patch Management: Consistently apply security patches to operating systems, software applications, and firmware in a timely manner. Prioritize patches for internet-facing systems and software frequently targeted by ransomware, such as VPNs, email servers, RDP services, and backup software. Establish a documented process for identifying, testing, and deploying critical patches.
Secure Remote Access: Enforce the use of strong, unique passwords for all accounts, especially those with administrative privileges. Mandate multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all remote access services, cloud service accounts, and critical internet systems. Avoid exposing RDP services directly to the internet. If RDP is necessary, secure it behind a VPN or dedicated jump host / bastion host, and restrict access to authorized IP addresses.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Deploy and maintain modern EDR solutions on all endpoints (desktops, laptops, and servers). Traditional signature-based antivirus software is often insufficient to detect and block advanced ransomware and fileless malware techniques. Ensure EDR solutions are properly configured and monitored.
Deploy Anti-Phishing Software: Implement comprehensive security solutions that include advanced threat protection features like sandboxing, URL analysis for links, and anti-phishing capabilities designed to detect sophisticated social engineering attempts.
How Caiber Secure Can help
Caiber Sentinel: Caiber Sentinel, powered by Malwarebyte's enterprise-grade EDR "ThreatDown", prevents advanced threats that SMBs are facing today. Additionally, our platform allows for automatic patch management and scans your endpoints for any potential vulnerabilities. This allows for a significantly more proactive approach to securing SMB environments.
Learn More About Caiber Sentinel Here
Caiber Vault: Caiber Vault leverages "Keeper" an industry-leading password manager centered around zero-trust and zero-knowledge architecture. Keeper ensures that every user utilizes unique and strong passwords, while eliminating the need to remember them. Keeper also enables multi-factor authentication (MFA) within a single application, ensuring that MFA integration is seamless.
Learn More About Caiber Vault Here
Caiber Browsing: Integrating with "DefensX", Caiber Browsing prevents users from falling victim to social engineering attacks. DefensX automatically blocks malicious websites, URLs, and downloads even if the threat is previously unknown. DefensX provides peace of mind, by knowing that your users are protected, even against sophisticated social engineering attempts.
Learn More About Caiber Browsing Here