Ransomware Attacks Jump 50% as Hackers Target Smaller Firms

[madtrader]

The number of ransomware attacks surged 50% in 2025, with nearly 8,000 total leak events recorded, according to blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis.

Despite the spike in incidents, total on-chain ransom payments fell 8% year-over-year to $820 million. Chainalysis attributes the drop in payments to stronger regulatory scrutiny, enforcement actions against laundering networks, and a growing refusal by large organizations to pay ransoms.

Instead, attackers appear to be shifting focus toward small and medium-sized businesses. As eCrime.ch founder Corsin Camichel noted in the report, smaller victims are perceived as more likely to pay quickly — though overall returns for attackers are declining even as public claims hit record highs.

[bonk]

ransomware up 50% but profits down welcome to late-stage capitalism even for criminals

[JanEmil]

Ransomware so annoying. Can kill your company.