Roughly one-third of ransomware targets experience repeated cyberattacks, despite settling demands with hackers
===============================================================================================================
In a concerning revelation, Barracuda Networks' Ransomware Insights Report for 2025 reveals that more than half (57%) of organisations globally have fallen victim to a ransomware attack in the past 12 months, with over a third (31%) of these victims experiencing multiple attacks [1][3][4][5].
The report paints a grim picture of the impact of ransomware on businesses, with significant consequences for those affected. Among the most common outcomes are:
- Brand and reputation damage, suffered by 51% of victims, as the fallout from a ransomware attack can have long-lasting effects on a company's standing [1][3][4][5].
- Significant recovery costs, faced by 49% of organisations, as the process of restoring systems and data can be both costly and time-consuming [1][3][4][5].
- Loss of existing customers, reported by 25% of businesses, as the disruption caused by a ransomware attack can drive customers away [1][3][4][5].
- Missed new business opportunities, also experienced by 25% of affected organisations, as a ransomware attack can prevent companies from securing new deals and partnerships [1][3][4][5].
- Employee productivity losses, experienced by 35% of affected organisations, as the disruption caused by a ransomware attack can lead to downtime and reduced output [1][3][4][5].
The report also highlights the fact that many ransomware victims lack basic security measures, with only 47% using an email security solution [1][3][4][5]. This leaves organisations vulnerable to attack, as hackers often exploit weak links in a company's security defenses.
In addition to data loss, ransomware also leads to serious business disruption, affecting reputation, customer retention, costs, productivity, and growth opportunities [1][3][4][5]. To effectively combat ransomware attacks, Barracuda emphasises the need for a unified, integrated security platform that can detect, respond, and recover effectively [2].
The report also notes that fragmented and ineffective security tools, often unintegrated and unmanaged, contribute to repeated ransomware incidents and create blind spots that attackers can exploit. Furthermore, attackers may exert pressure on organisations by threatening partners, shareholders, customers, and employees [1][3][4][5].
Attacks can also feature lateral movement across the network, infection of multiple endpoints, installation of additional malicious payloads, privilege elevation, and embedding backdoors and other persistence mechanisms. In many cases, attackers can move through victims' networks without being detected and blocked [1][3][4][5].
Overall, the ransomware boom shows no signs of letting up, and organisations must take proactive steps to protect themselves against these attacks. By investing in a comprehensive security platform and ensuring that all security measures are up-to-date and effectively managed, businesses can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to ransomware and the damaging consequences that come with it.
- Improving cybersecurity strategies, especially in finance and technology sectors, is crucial in light of the escalating ransomware attacks, as many organisations globally are still taking insufficient security measures.
- The financial sector, in particular, must be vigilant against ransomware attacks due to the potential for significant reputational damage, recovery costs, loss of customers, missed business opportunities, and employee productivity losses if they are compromised.
