Ransomware remains one of the most pressing cybersecurity threats in 2025, impacting businesses across various industries. Attackers are becoming more sophisticated, leveraging new tactics and evolving their methods to increase disruption and extract higher ransom payments. Understanding these trends and real-world examples is essential for any business seeking to prepare for and mitigate ransomware risks.
This article explores the current landscape of ransomware, including its prevalence, the industries most affected, common attack methods, and how businesses like yours can stay protected with services like Helixstorm.
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system or data until a ransom is paid. Attackers often encrypt critical files and leave victims with a demand note containing instructions for payment, frequently in cryptocurrency. Even after payment, there’s no guarantee victims will regain access to their data.
How Common is Ransomware?
Ransomware attacks are alarmingly frequent. According to the 2025 Unit 42 Global Incident Response Report, 86% of ransomware incidents led to business disruptions, including operational downtime and reputational damage.
What’s more concerning is the growing scale of these attacks. Ransomware actors are no longer only targeting large corporations; small and medium-sized businesses also find themselves in the crosshairs, as hackers exploit smaller organizations’ often limited cybersecurity defenses.
Which Industries Are Most Impacted by Ransomware?
The fallout of ransomware attacks is especially devastating for particular sectors. Below is a breakdown of the industries most affected and relevant statistics on ransomware activity in 2024 and early 2025:
1. Manufacturing
Manufacturers experienced 71% of observed ransomware incidents in 2024, as attackers sought to exploit their dependency on smooth operations. Downtime in this sector directly impacts production processes, leading to financial and logistical losses.
2. Healthcare
The healthcare industry continues to be a prime target for ransomware, with attacks jeopardizing patient records and disrupting critical medical services. Due to the time-sensitive nature of healthcare, many organizations feel compelled to pay ransom demands promptly.
3. Finance
Banks and financial institutions face increasingly sophisticated attacks, often targeting sensitive customer data. Financial losses and trust erosion are key risks here.
4. Government
Government agencies remain vulnerable, with attacks often triggering widespread disruption of public services. These entities are lucrative targets for attackers due to their vast data repositories and dependency on digital systems.
5. Retail
Retail businesses, reliant on point-of-sale systems and customer databases, have seen a steady rise in ransomware activity. These attacks often aim for customer data, creating long-term reputational damage.
Common Ransomware Examples to Expect
Understanding the common methods attackers use allows businesses to address vulnerabilities proactively. Here are some of the most prevalent entry points and ransomware examples.
1. Phishing Emails
Phishing remains the top method for deploying ransomware. These emails trick employees into clicking malicious links or downloading harmful attachments, giving attackers access to internal systems.
2. Software Vulnerabilities
Outdated software is another frequent entry point for ransomware. When businesses fail to apply security updates and patches, attackers exploit these vulnerabilities.
3. Malicious Websites
Cybercriminals often create fake websites that mimic legitimate ones, tricking users into downloading ransomware or inputting sensitive information.
4. Insider Threats
Ransomware actors sometimes exploit internal employees, convincing them to unintentionally or intentionally open avenues for an attack.
Advanced ransomware tactics are also on the rise. For example:
- EDR Killers (Endpoint Detection and Response bypass tools): Used to disable security software and encrypt large volumes of data undetected.
- Targeting Cloud Systems: Cloud misconfigurations and exposed credentials make these increasingly central to attacks.
- Nation-state Collaboration: Some ransomware incidents are linked to government-backed hackers, increasing their complexity.
Ransomware Examples Shaping 2025
Here are some examples from the Unit 42 report that underline just how sophisticated ransomware has become:
1. Fake Data and Empty Threats
Attackers have been observed claiming to possess sensitive files they don’t actually have. For example, the BianLian group mailed fraudulent ransom notes to executives threatening to leak data, only for investigations to reveal no breaches occurred.
2. Nation-state Partnerships
Groups like North Korea’s Jumpy Pisces have been documented working alongside ransomware actors, distributing advanced ransomware payloads such as Qilin.
3. Cloud and Endpoint Attacks
Organizations like Bling Libra exploit cloud misconfigurations, while other groups deploy “EDR killers” to disable endpoint protections and spread ransomware.
How Helixstorm Can Help
The stakes are rising, but your business doesn’t have to face ransomware alone. At Helixstorm, we offer comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to minimize your vulnerabilities and protect you from ransomware attacks. Here’s how we can help:
- Ransomware Readiness Assessment: We assess your systems and fortify weak points to reduce attack risks.
- Incident Response Services: If an attack occurs, our team is on-call to minimize damage and restore your operations quickly.
- 24/7 Monitoring: Our advanced tools continuously scan your systems for unusual activity.
- Employee Awareness Training: Empower your team with the knowledge to identify phishing emails and suspicious activity.
With Helixstorm, you can focus on scaling your business while leaving cybersecurity to the experts.
Ransomware Doesn’t Wait. Take Action Today.
The ransomware landscape isn’t slowing down, but you can stay ahead by taking proactive steps. Review your organization’s defenses, educate your team, and engage a trusted cybersecurity partner like Helixstorm to safeguard your future.
Get started with a Free Ransomware Assessment today. Contact our team to learn more about how Helixstorm can secure your business against evolving threats.
