Ransomware remained one of the most pervasive and damaging cyber threats in 2025, targeting organizations across industries, disrupting critical services, and exposing millions of records. As cybercriminals developed more sophisticated methods, the number and severity of ransomware attacks surged significantly throughout the year.
According to recent cybersecurity intelligence reports, ransomware incidents increased sharply in 2025, with thousands of attacks recorded around the world.
1. Surge in Global Ransomware Activity
The sheer volume of ransomware activity in 2025 was startling. Data from threat intelligence trackers showed that ransomware attacks against critical infrastructure — including energy, transportation, and manufacturing — rose by around 34% compared to the previous year. Nearly half of all recorded incidents struck sectors essential to national resilience, showing how threat actors are increasingly targeting high-impact organizations that cannot afford operational downtime.
2. Kido International Ransomware Attack
One of the most widely reported ransomware cases of the year was the attack on Kido International, a multinational early childhood education provider based in the UK. Disclosed in September 2025, the cyberattack resulted in the theft and potential exposure of personal data relating to approximately 8,000 children and staff, including names, photographs, and contact information. The incident raised significant concerns due to the sensitivity of the compromised information, prompting guidance from the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and subsequent arrests tied to the case.
3. Ransomware Disruption in Critical Infrastructure
Ransomware’s expansion into essential services was starkly illustrated by a major attack on Romania’s national water management authority in December 2025. Around 1,000 computers across regional offices were taken offline using ransomware that encrypted files via Microsoft BitLocker tool. While water supply operations were maintained through manual systems, the incident underscored how ransomware can cripple administrative infrastructure and strain cybersecurity resources.
4. Qilin Cybercrime Group’s Multi-Sector Attacks
The Qilin ransomware group emerged as one of the most prolific threat actors during 2025, claiming responsibility for several high-profile attacks. These included assaults on educational services, financial firms, and regional infrastructure in Europe, with some breaches involving over a terabyte of stolen data. The sophistication and persistence of this group demonstrated the evolving operational capabilities of modern ransomware gangs.
5. Major Commercial & Industrial Targets
Beyond public infrastructure, ransomware hit several major commercial entities. In the first half of the year, large corporate and government data breaches emerged through ransomware actions affecting millions of user accounts across sectors such as finance, healthcare, and consumer entertainment. In certain instances, ransom demands for stolen data reached double-digit millions, illustrating the severe economic stakes involved.
6. Rising Variety of Ransomware Strains
Throughout 2025, cybersecurity analysts tracked the activity of numerous ransomware families. Among the most active were groups like Qilin, Akira, Cl0p, and several emerging strains that targeted both corporate networks and public sector systems. These ransomware variants often operated through double or multi-extortion tactics, where attackers not only encrypted systems but also stole sensitive information to pressure victims into paying ransoms.
Why 2025 Was a Turning Point
Several factors contributed to the ransomware surge in 2025. The increasing use of artificial intelligence by threat actors enabled faster automation and targeting, while gaps in patching and remote access security continued to create vulnerabilities. Industries with complex supply chains or legacy systems — such as manufacturing and healthcare — were particularly at risk, as attackers exploited weak points for maximum disruption.
Looking Ahead: Security and Preparedness
As ransomware evolves, cybersecurity experts emphasize the importance of multi-layered defenses, real-time monitoring, and regular software patching to reduce exposure. Organizations are also encouraged to adopt comprehensive incident response plans, employee training, and zero-trust approaches to mitigate the impact of future attacks.
