What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts target systems and locks users out of their own data. Attackers then demand a ransom payment to restore access, often threatening to publish stolen data online if victims refuse to pay.

Ransomware has become increasingly popular among criminals in recent years – and increasingly costly for the organisations that fall victim to it.

The impact of ransomware

As of 2025, nearly 63% of businesses worldwide have been affected by ransomware attacks – a figure that has remained above 50% every single year since 2018. Q4 2024 alone saw a record-breaking 1,827 incidents globally.

The global cost of ransomware is estimated to reach $57 billion in 2025 – around $156 million every single day. Analysts project that figure will exceed $20 billion per month by 2031.

No sector is safe, but some face disproportionate risk. For instance:

• Two-thirds of healthcare organisations were hit in 2024.
• Attacks on utilities are surging by at least 42% year-on-year.
• Over two-thirds of attacks between 2024 and 2025 targeted businesses with fewer than 500 employees.

Ransomware has evolved from opportunistic nuisance to a calculated, industrialised threat – one that is as likely to hit a small business as a national infrastructure provider.

Protect yourself with our cyber security and technical services

Our services are delivered by a team of experienced in-house consultants and penetration testers. We have a deep understanding of the cyber risks faced by organisations today, and can help you implement the best possible security solutions for your budget and requirements.

Prepare for, recognise and survive ransomware attacks with our range of bestselling products and services below.

Cyber Health Check

Do you have an overall view of how effective your security plan is? Are the right IT security controls in place to protect the information that is critical to your business?

The three-phase Cyber Health Check combines on-site consultancy and audit with remote vulnerability assessments to assess your cyber risk exposure.

Our approach will identify your cyber risks, audit the effectiveness of your responses to those risks and analyse your real risk exposure. We then create a prioritised action plan for managing those risks in line with your business objectives.

ISO 27001 consultancy

ISO 27001 is the international standard that describes best practice for an ISMS (information security management system). It is globally recognised as the most comprehensive solution to achieving enhanced cyber security.

From fixed-price packages to bespoke consultancy, we can supply everything you need to implement an ISO 27001-compliant ISMS.

Penetration testing services

Do you need to assess your organisation’s vulnerability to attack or the value and exploitability of critical assets?​

As a CREST member and an NCSC CHECK provider, we meet the strict technical, ethical and operational requirements required to test systems supporting critical and sensitive services.

Our assessments are designed to align with your business priorities, risk profile and compliance obligations, while delivering clear, actionable insight you can trust.