Google says it already knows what the most common cybercrime will be in 2025

The ransomware will continue to be the most disruptive cybercrime worldwide in 2025, according to forecasts Google Cloud Security. This type of attack continues to represent a significant threat to businesses and users, affecting both the volume of incidents and the scope of potential damage from each attack. And it may just be the beginning.

Ransomware is a type of cyber attack through which groups of attackers access the systems of a company or institution, encrypt the information and demand a ransom in cryptocurrency in exchange. The second part of extortion is threatening to leak the data that was accessed.

According to Europa Press, ransomware attacks are expected to increase outside the United States over the next year. This trend worries cybersecurity experts, who warn about the need to take preventive measures.

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts the victim’s files and demands a ransom to return access. Your ability to paralyze systems integers makes it an attractive tool for cybercriminals. Companies of all sizes and sectors have been the target of these attacks, causing million-dollar losses and affecting customer confidence.

Google Cloud Security’s forecast indicates that, in addition to increasing in number, attacks will become more sophisticated. Criminals are refining their techniques, making it more difficult to detect and prevent threats. Therefore, it is crucial that organizations reinforce their security measures and train their employees in safe practices.

To protect companies from data hijacking, it is essential to implement advanced security solutions and maintain updated backups. How to protect your company from ransomware offers practical advice to minimize risks and react appropriately to a possible attack.

Another common entry route for ransomware is infected external devices. Use a flash drive of unknown origin can be dangerous as it could contain malware. Therefore, it is important to know the reason why you should not use a pendrive that does not have an owner, thus avoiding compromising the security of your systems.

Experts also point out that the expansion of ransomware outside the United States is due to cybercriminals looking for new, less prepared targets. Countries with less developed cybersecurity infrastructures are especially vulnerable. This underlines the need for international collaboration to combat these types of threats.

Education and awareness are fundamental pillars in the fight against ransomware. Both individual users and companies must be informed about the tactics used by attackers and adopt safe habits when handling digital information. The implementation of multi-factor authentication, regular software updates and Strict access policies can make a difference.

The cybersecurity landscape is increasingly complex, and ransomware will continue to be a major concern for years to come. Properly preparing and staying informed is key to facing this challenge.

In 2024, ransomware continued to be a significant threat globally, with a notable increase in the frequency and sophistication of attacks. According to a report by Rapid7, More than 2,500 ransomware incidents were recorded in the first half of the year, which is equivalent to almost 15 public attacks per day. This increase was reflected in economic losses, as ransoms paid through July reached approximately $460 million, recording the highest payment to date.: 75 million dollars to a group of cybercriminals.

In Latin America, various sectors were the target of ransomware attacks. In Mexico, the chain of stores Coppel suffered an attack that affected 1,800 branches, paralyzing operations for three months and generating losses close to 15 million dollars. In Argentina, although no incidents of this magnitude were reported in 2024, the country has experienced an increase in attempts to cyber attacks in recent yearsexceeding one billion in the first half of 2023.

Globally, critical sectors such as health were also severely affected. In the United States, an attack in February exposed medical information of more than a third of the population, while in Australia, the company MediSecure suffered a data breach that compromised the health records of nearly 13 million people. These incidents highlight the ability of cybercriminals to disrupt essential services and access highly sensitive information.

The evolution of attacker tactics, including the use of artificial intelligence and tools designed to bypass security technologies, has increased the sophistication of attacks. Groups like LockBit 3.0 y RansomHub have demonstrated notable activity in the region, affecting more than 200 organizations and consolidating the “democratization of ransomware.”