Ransomware remains a rapidly evolving threat in the global cybersecurity landscape, even in 2025. Despite massive investments in digital security tools and heightened awareness across corporate and public sectors, ransomware attacks persist with alarming frequency and impact. One key reason for this is ransomware tactics’ ever—changing nature—attackers no longer rely solely on simple phishing schemes. Instead, they now employ highly sophisticated methods such as double extortion, fileless infections, and leveraging zero-day vulnerabilities to bypass even advanced security systems. These evolving techniques make attacks more difficult to detect and harder to contain once initiated.
What Is A Ransomware Attack?
A ransomware attack is a type of cybercrime where attackers secretly infiltrate a computer system or network, then encrypt important files or lock users out of their devices. After this, they demand a ransom, usually in cryptocurrency, to provide a decryption key or restore access. This makes the victim’s data or system unusable until the ransom is paid.
These attacks have become widespread because they are profitable for criminals and often catch victims unprepared. Typically, ransomware enters a system through common methods such as:
- Phishing emails: Fraudulent emails trick users into clicking malicious links or opening infected attachments.
- Malicious downloads: Drive-by downloads happen when users visit compromised websites that automatically download malware.
- Exploiting software vulnerabilities: Attackers take advantage of outdated or unpatched software to gain access.
Once inside, the ransomware quickly encrypts files or locks the system, then displays a ransom note explaining how to pay and threatening permanent data loss or public exposure if the demand is not met.
Because ransomware attacks can disrupt essential services, halt business operations, and cause severe financial and reputational damage, understanding how they work is crucial. Early detection and prevention are key to minimizing harm.
What Are Ransomware Types?
Ransomware is not a single, uniform threat—it comes in many forms, each with its own attack methods and impact. Understanding the different types of ransomware helps organizations and individuals recognize, respond to, and prevent these attacks more effectively. Here are the most common and emerging ransomware types as of 2025:
1. Crypto Ransomware (Encryption Ransomware)
This is the most widespread type. Crypto ransomware encrypts files, folders, or entire drives, making data inaccessible. Victims receive a ransom note demanding payment in exchange for the decryption key.
Examples: WannaCry, CryptoLocker, Locky
2. Locker Ransomware
Locker ransomware locks users out of their devices or operating systems, preventing any access to files or applications. Unlike crypto ransomware, it does not encrypt files but blocks access to the entire system until the ransom is paid.
Examples: WinLocker, Police Trojan
3. Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)
RaaS is a business model where cybercriminals rent out ready-made ransomware kits to affiliates, who then launch attacks. The creators take a share of the ransom. This model has lowered the barrier for entry, allowing less technical criminals to participate.
Examples: DarkSide, Sodinokibi (REvil)
4. Doxware (Leakware)
Doxware threatens to publish or leak sensitive personal or corporate data unless a ransom is paid. This “double extortion” tactic increases pressure on victims, especially organizations with confidential information.
5. Scareware
Scareware uses fake alerts, pop-ups, or warnings to scare users into believing their device is infected or compromised. It pressures victims to pay for unnecessary “clean-up” tools or services. While less destructive, it can still cause financial loss and anxiety.
Examples: Fake antivirus software, rogue security programs
Why does this matter?
Each ransomware type requires different detection and defense strategies. For example, while regular backups can help recover from crypto ransomware, doxware, and locker ransomware. They demand additional measures such as data leak prevention, network segmentation, and strong access controls.
The Ransomware Attack Lifecycle (with a Focus on Phishing)
A ransomware attack typically follows a multi-stage lifecycle. Understanding each step helps organizations spot warning signs early and implement effective defenses, especially against phishing, which is often the attack’s starting point.
1. Initial Access: Phishing as the Entry Point
Most ransomware attacks begin with a phishing campaign. Attackers craft convincing emails that appear to come from trusted sources, such as colleagues, partners, or popular services. These emails may:
- Contain malicious attachments (e.g., fake invoices, resumes, or reports)
- Include links to compromised websites or fake login pages
- Use urgent language to trick users into acting quickly
When a user clicks the link or opens the attachment, malware is silently downloaded onto their device, giving the attacker a foothold in the network.
Technical Note: Advanced phishing emails may bypass basic spam filters by using personalized details (spear phishing), leveraging previously leaked credentials, or exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities in email clients or browsers.
2. Establishing Persistence and Privilege Escalation
Once inside, the ransomware attempts to maintain access and escalate privileges. This can involve:
- Installing backdoors or remote access tools
- Harvesting credentials to move laterally within the network
- Exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities to gain admin rights
3. Payload Deployment and Lateral Movement
The attacker then deploys the ransomware payload, which may:
- Encrypt files on the local machine
- Spread to network shares, servers, and backups
- Disable security tools to avoid detection
Fileless ransomware may use legitimate tools like PowerShell or Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) to avoid leaving traces.
4. Encryption and Extortion
The ransomware encrypts critical files and displays a ransom note, typically demanding payment in cryptocurrency. In double extortion attacks, attackers may also threaten to leak stolen data if the ransom isn’t paid.
5. Impact and Recovery
Victims lose access to essential data and systems, disrupting business operations. Recovery depends on backup availability, incident response readiness, and negotiation outcomes.
Why Phishing Matters in the Ransomware Lifecycle
- Phishing is the most common initial access vector for ransomware.
- Attackers exploit human error, bypassing even strong technical defenses.
- Sophisticated phishing campaigns use social engineering, brand impersonation, and even compromised legitimate accounts.
How to Defend Against Phishing-Driven Ransomware Attacks
Technical Controls:
- Advanced email security gateways with real-time threat intelligence
- Attachment and URL sandboxing
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for email and remote access
- Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions
User Awareness:
- Regular phishing simulation exercises
- Training on recognizing suspicious emails, links, and attachments
- Clear reporting channels for suspected phishing attempts
Brandefense Approach: Proactive Phishing Defense and Automated Takedown
In the fight against ransomware, where phishing is one of the most common entry points, Brandefense delivers a proactive, multi-layered defense strategy that combines advanced detection, continuous monitoring, threat intelligence, and automated takedown capabilities.
Continuous and Comprehensive Phishing Detection
Brandefense operates 24/7, continuously scanning the digital landscape for any and all potential phishing threats targeting your organization. Our advanced detection engines analyze domains, websites, social media content, and more to identify both confirmed and potential phishing incidents.
- Confirmed Phishing: When our systems determine with certainty that a website, email, or social media post is malicious and designed for phishing, we immediately notify our customers with clear, actionable intelligence.
- Potential Phishing: If a threat is identified as a potential (but not yet confirmed) phishing attempt, Brandefense places it under continuous observation. We monitor for any changes in content, behavior, or indicators. If the threat escalates and meets our criteria for confirmed phishing, we promptly update its status and alert the customer without delay.
Automated Takedown and Transparent Process Tracking
Brandefense empowers customers with an automated takedown request system. Customers can initiate takedown procedures for confirmed phishing sites or malicious content. Our platform provides:
• Expert support throughout the process, ensuring customers know exactly what to do in case of delays or denials, and helping accelerate resolution when needed.
Integrated Threat Intelligence and Attack Surface Monitoring
Brandefense’s approach is further strengthened by robust threat intelligence and attack surface monitoring:
- Threat Intelligence: We deliver real-time feeds and in-depth analysis of emerging phishing campaigns, ransomware trends, and attacker tactics. This intelligence enables organizations to anticipate threats and adapt their defenses proactively.
- Attack Surface Monitoring: Brandefense identifies exposed credentials, misconfigured services, and leaked data that could be exploited in phishing or ransomware attacks, helping organizations close vulnerabilities before they can be abused.
Brandefense delivers an end-to-end solution for phishing-driven ransomware threats: from early detection and continuous monitoring to automated takedown and actionable threat intelligence. Our transparent processes and expert support ensure that organizations can respond rapidly and effectively, minimizing risk and protecting digital assets and reputation.
Ransomware Trends and Predictions for the Future
Q1 2025 Highlights from Brandefense
Ransomware remains a dynamic threat. Brandefense’s Q1 2025 report, analyzing 1,038 incidents across 62 countries and 38 active groups, reveals key shifts:
- Dominant Actors: RansomHub led with 22.3% of attacks, followed by rapidly growing groups like Lynx (entering the Top 10), Cactus, Play, and Incransom. The “Others” category (23.6%) shows persistent smaller group activity, fueled by RaaS models.
- Top Targets: Manufacturing (20.5%) continued to be the most attacked sector, with business services, construction, and retail also heavily impacted.
- Geographic Focus: The U.S. (61.3%), Canada, and the UK remained primary targets, with North America accounting for 69% of global incidents.
- Evolving Tactics: Attackers increasingly exploited supply chain weaknesses, third-party services, and exposed remote access points. Double extortion remained prevalent, intensifying pressure on victims.
Predictions for H2 2025
Based on these trends, Brandefense predicts the following for the remainder of 2025:
1. Rise of Niche Groups: Expect increased activity from smaller, agile ransomware groups targeting less-defended sectors.
2. Broader Geographic Focus: While North America remains a primary target, groups will intensify attacks in EMEA and APAC.
3. Advanced Phishing: Phishing will remain the top entry point, evolving with more sophisticated social engineering and multi-channel attacks.
4. AI & Automation in Attacks: Adversaries will increasingly leverage AI for faster reconnaissance, more effective evasion, and automated operations.
5. Triple Extortion Evolution: Beyond data encryption and leaks, expect more direct threats to the victim’s customers or partners for increased pressure.
6. Supply Chain Exploitation: Critical infrastructure and supply chains will face even more targeted and disruptive attacks.
