Ransomware in 2025: Prevention, Detection, and Recovery Strategies

The Evolving Ransomware Threat

Ransomware attacks increased by 68% in 2024, with average ransom demands exceeding $2 million. Modern ransomware groups operate like businesses, offering "ransomware-as-a-service" to affiliates.

Prevention Strategies

Email Security: Advanced threat protection for phishing

Endpoint Protection: EDR with behavioral analysis

Patch Management: Rapid vulnerability remediation

Network Segmentation: Limit lateral movement

Backup Strategy: Immutable, air-gapped backups

Detection and Response

Early detection is critical. Implement:

24/7 security monitoring (SIEM/SOC)

Automated incident response playbooks

Regular threat hunting exercises

Recovery Planning

Maintain offline backup copies

Test recovery procedures quarterly

Document recovery time objectives (RTO)

Establish communication protocols

Consider cyber insurance coverage

Should You Pay?

Law enforcement generally advises against paying ransoms. Payment doesn't guarantee data recovery and funds criminal operations.