Ransomware attacks surged by 389% in 2025, driven by malicious AI tools that allow hackers to target multiple organizations simultaneously at lower costs. While nearly half of victims pay ransoms, jurisdictions like the UK are moving to ban payments from critical infrastructure to mitigate legal and sanction risks.
Background
The rapid commoditization of cyberattacks through AI-driven tools has shifted ransomware from niche criminal activity to a sophisticated, high-volume industry, forcing governments and enterprises to reassess payment strategies.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Jul 20, 2026 at 10:00 PM
- Score
- 8.0 / 10