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According to Verizon’s DBIR 2025 report, ransomware payments are decreasing:
– Median ransom dropped from $150,000 (2023) to $115,000 (2024).
– 95th percentile maximum payment fell from $9.9M to $3.6M.
Key Reasons Behind the Decline:
- Improved Cyber Resilience – Organizations now implement strong backups, incident response plans, and refusal-to-pay policies.
- SMEs & Mid-Sized Firms Matured – Better security awareness reduces payout likelihood.
- Attackers Adjusting Tactics – Cybercriminals may shift to mass attacks or supply chain compromises to maintain profits.
🔗 Source: Verizon DBIR 2025
You Should Know: How to Defend Against Ransomware
1. Backup & Recovery Strategies
- Linux (rsync encrypted backups):
rsync -avz --progress -e "ssh -i /path/to/private_key" /data user@backup-server:/backup/
- Windows (WBAdmin for system backups):
wbadmin start backup -backupTarget:E: -include:C:,D: -allCritical -quiet
2. Restrict Ransomware Execution
- Linux (Use chattr to prevent file modification):
chattr +i /critical_files/ Makes files immutable
- Windows (Disable macros & restrict PowerShell):
Set-ExecutionPolicy Restricted -Force
3. Detect & Block Ransomware Early
- YARA Rule for Common Ransomware Patterns:
rule Ransomware_Indicator { strings: $encrypt1 = "AES-256" nocase $encrypt2 = "Your files are encrypted" wide condition: any of them } - Monitor for Suspicious Activity:
auditctl -w /important_files -p wa -k ransomware_alert
4. Incident Response Steps
1. Isolate infected systems (`airgap network`).
- Identify ransomware strain (Use ID Ransomware).
3. Restore from clean backups.
What Undercode Say
The decline in ransom payments signals better defenses, but attackers will adapt:
– More supply chain attacks (as Matthias P. noted).
– Increased physical threats (e.g., crypto kidnappings).
– AI-driven automation to scale attacks.
Key Commands to Stay Protected:
- Linux (Check for suspicious processes):
ps aux | grep -E "(crypt|encrypt|lock)"
- Windows (Log analysis with Event Viewer):
Get-WinEvent -FilterHashtable @{LogName='Security'; ID=4625} | fl
Prediction
Ransomware will shift towards:
✅ Double extortion (data leaks + encryption).
✅ Attacks on cloud storage & APIs.
✅ AI-powered phishing for initial access.
Expected Output:
- Defensive hardening reduces ransom payouts.
- Attackers will pivot tactics—stay vigilant.
- Automate detection with YARA, auditing, and backups.
🚀 Pro Tip: Test backups regularly—ransomware also targets backups!
References:
Reported By: Noam Hakoune – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
