Ransomware Forecasted to Lead Cybercrime Trends in 2025, Says Google
In recent years, ransomware has emerged as one of the most serious threats in the field of cybersecurity. This type of attack, which encrypts data and demands a ransom for its release, has paralyzed operations in companies of all sizes and sectors, resulting in economic losses and damaging customer trust. Looking ahead to 2025, the forecasts are not optimistic: an increase in the quantity and sophistication of these incidents is expected, driven by advances in technology and a more globalized approach.
### How does ransomware operate?
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files, forcing them to pay a ransom, usually in cryptocurrency, to regain access. In addition, attackers often threaten to leak confidential information if their demands are not met. According to Google Cloud Security, ransomware attacks will not only become more frequent, but also more difficult to detect and prevent due to the integration of artificial intelligence. This advancement allows cybercriminals to develop personalized attacks, bypass advanced security systems, and operate more efficiently.
### Global Impact and Geographical Expansion
In 2024, ransomware severely impacted critical sectors, including healthcare, commerce, and finance. For example, in Latin America, Mexico experienced a massive attack on the Coppel store chain, causing operations to come to a halt for months and resulting in significant financial losses. Globally, incidents such as the exposure of medical data of over a third of the U.S. population underscore the magnitude of the problem. Experts warn that this threat will expand to regions with less developed cybersecurity infrastructures, where attackers find more vulnerable targets. International collaboration will be crucial in addressing this growing threat.
### How to protect against ransomware
Prevention is essential to mitigate the risks of ransomware. Recommended measures include implementing multi-factor authentication to reduce the chances of unauthorized access, regularly backing up data to ensure recovery in case of an attack, keeping software updated to minimize exploitable vulnerabilities, and avoiding devices of unknown origin, as infected USB drives are a common entry point for ransomware. Additionally, educating employees and users on safe practices in handling digital information is crucial to reduce human errors, a major gateway for cyberattacks.
In 2024, ransomware reached alarming levels: more than 2,500 reported incidents in the first half of the year, with ransoms exceeding $460 million. The increase in the sophistication of attacks, driven by artificial intelligence, has led to the emergence of groups like LockBit 3.0 and RansomHub, using advanced tools designed to evade security technologies. This “democratization of ransomware” poses a risk to companies and institutions in any region and sector.
With the constantly evolving landscape of cybercrime, organizations must strengthen their security measures and stay informed about the latest trends in digital threats. Prevention, education, and global collaboration are essential to tackle the challenge that ransomware poses in 2025 and beyond. Protecting information and ensuring operational continuity will be fundamental pillars in mitigating the impact of this type of cyberattack.
