Ransomware Payments Plummet Even as Attacks Surge: Insights and Strategies [2025]

Last year was a whirlwind for cybersecurity professionals. While ransomware attacks surged by a staggering 50%, the payments made to cybercriminals plummeted dramatically. This paradox has left many in the industry scratching their heads. Why are fewer businesses paying up, even as threats loom larger than ever? Let's dive into this complex landscape to uncover the drivers behind these trends and what they mean for the future of cybersecurity.

TL; DR

Ransomware attacks surged by 50% in 2025, yet payments dropped to record lows.
Only 28% of businesses paid ransoms, down from nearly 63% in 2024.
Median ransom payments increased by 368%, reflecting higher stakes for those who choose to pay.
Improved cybersecurity measures and greater resilience are key reasons for fewer payments.
Legal and regulatory pressures discourage ransom payments.

Factors Reducing Ransomware Payments by Businesses

Improved cybersecurity measures and regulatory pressure are leading factors in reducing ransomware payments by businesses. Estimated data.

Introduction: The Perplexing Paradox

In 2025, ransomware attacks reached unprecedented levels, with cybercriminals launching more sophisticated and frequent assaults than ever before. Yet, paradoxically, the amount of money extorted from victims plummeted. This drop in payments, even as attacks surge, highlights a significant shift in how businesses and organizations are responding to ransomware threats. According to Trade Brains, the increase in attacks has not translated into higher payouts.

The Surge in Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware attacks have increased by 50% in the past year, fueled by the rise of ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) models that allow even novice cybercriminals to launch attacks. These models provide tools, infrastructure, and even customer support to facilitate ransomware operations. As a result, the barrier to entry is lower, leading to more attackers in the field.

Why Payments Are Dropping

Despite the surge in attacks, fewer organizations are paying the demanded ransoms. In 2025, only 28% of victims opted to pay, a significant decrease from previous years. This trend can be attributed to several factors, including improved cybersecurity defenses, increased awareness, and legal deterrents. The Cybersecurity Ventures report highlights how businesses are becoming more resilient against such threats.

Introduction: The Perplexing Paradox - visual representation

Ransomware Attacks and Payments Trend (2022-2025)

Ransomware attacks have surged by 50% annually from 2022 to 2025, yet the percentage of victims paying ransoms has decreased significantly, dropping to 28% in 2025. Estimated data.

Understanding the Ransomware Landscape

What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system or data, typically by encrypting it, until a ransom is paid. The attackers demand payment, usually in cryptocurrency, to provide a decryption key. Chainalysis provides insights into how cryptocurrencies are used in these transactions.

QUICK TIP: Regularly back up your data offline to mitigate the impact of ransomware attacks.

Types of Ransomware

Crypto Ransomware: Encrypts files and demands payment for the decryption key.
Locker Ransomware: Locks users out of their systems entirely.
Double Extortion: Not only encrypts data but also threatens to publish it.
Raa S (Ransomware as a Service): Enables non-technical criminals to launch attacks using pre-packaged ransomware kits.

The Role of Raa S

Ransomware-as-a-Service has transformed the landscape by democratizing ransomware attacks. It lowers the technical barriers, allowing anyone with malicious intent to launch an attack. This has significantly contributed to the rise in the number of attacks, as noted by Krebs on Security.

Understanding the Ransomware Landscape - visual representation

Why Are Fewer Businesses Paying?

Improved Cybersecurity Measures

Organizations are getting better at defending against ransomware. Increased investment in cybersecurity tools and practices, such as endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems, has made it harder for ransomware attacks to succeed. Bitdefender highlights the evolution of ransomware and the key moments that have shaped current defenses.

DID YOU KNOW: Companies that invest in cybersecurity training for employees report 70% fewer successful ransomware attacks.

Regulatory and Legal Considerations

Governments worldwide are cracking down on ransomware payments. In some jurisdictions, paying a ransom can result in fines or other penalties. This regulatory pressure discourages businesses from making payments. The Insurer discusses how legal frameworks are evolving to address these challenges.

The Cost of Compliance

With regulations such as GDPR and CCPA, the cost of a data breach can be significant. However, these regulations also provide frameworks for managing data breaches, reducing the perceived need to pay ransoms.

Insurance and Financial Considerations

Cyber insurance is another factor influencing payment decisions. Policies often cover recovery costs but may not cover ransom payments, especially if they violate regulations. TechTarget explores how insurance policies are adapting to the ransomware threat landscape.

Why Are Fewer Businesses Paying? - visual representation

In 2025, ransomware attacks surged by 50%, but only 28% of businesses paid ransoms, a significant drop from 63% in 2024. Median ransom payments, however, increased by 368%, indicating higher stakes for those who paid.

Best Practices for Ransomware Prevention

Implementing Strong Security Protocols

Regular Backups: Maintain up-to-date backups and store them offline.
Network Segmentation: Limit the spread of ransomware by segmenting your network.
Access Controls: Use the principle of least privilege to restrict access to sensitive data.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA to add an extra layer of security.

Employee Training and Awareness

Human error is a leading cause of successful ransomware attacks. Training employees to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious activity is crucial. SecurityWeek discusses how employee training is essential in combating cyber threats.

QUICK TIP: Conduct regular phishing simulations to test and improve employee awareness.

Incident Response Planning

Having a well-defined incident response plan can significantly reduce the impact of a ransomware attack. This plan should include:

Detection and Analysis: Quickly identify and assess the threat.
Containment and Eradication: Isolate affected systems to prevent spread.
Recovery: Restore systems from backups and verify their integrity.
Communication: Clearly communicate with stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

Best Practices for Ransomware Prevention - visual representation

The Future of Ransomware

Evolving Threats

As defenses improve, attackers are developing more sophisticated techniques. We can expect to see more targeted attacks on critical infrastructure and supply chains. Bitdefender provides insights into how ransomware tactics are evolving.

The Rise of AI and Automation

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being used to both launch and defend against ransomware attacks. These technologies can help detect anomalies and automate responses. Chainalysis discusses the role of AI in the future of ransomware.

Strengthening Global Cooperation

International cooperation is crucial in the fight against ransomware. Sharing intelligence and best practices can help mitigate threats across borders.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

As the legal landscape evolves, businesses must stay informed about regulations related to ransomware payments and data protection.

The Future of Ransomware - visual representation

Conclusion: Adapting to the Ransomware Reality

The paradox of increasing ransomware attacks yet decreasing payments underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, regulatory compliance, and strategic incident response. Businesses must continue to adapt and evolve to stay ahead of cyber threats.