In 2025, ransomware attacks have reached unprecedented levels of sophistication and frequency. In early 2025 alone, the U.S. experienced a 149% increase in ransomware attacks compared to the same period in 2024, with 378 incidents reported in just the first five weeks, according to Cyble.

The lack of widespread cybersecurity hygiene, policy coordination, and law enforcement capabilities makes Africa particularly susceptible to ransomware. This vulnerability is compounded by Africa’s rapid mobile-driven digital transformation, where an estimated 534 million people use smartphones as their primary gateway to the Internet. While these devices enable growth and connectivity, they also dramatically expand the cyberattack surface.

As ransomware tactics become more sophisticated and commodified (via Cybercrime-as-a-Service and Ransomware-as-a-Service models), proactive prevention, education, and international cooperation are critical.

As a leading cloud solutions provider, Radical Cloud Solutions is committed to keeping our clients informed and protected. 

Let’s look into the latest ransomware trends, notable incidents and proactive measures businesses can adopt to safeguard their digital assets.

The Evolving Nature of Ransomware

Ransomware has transformed from simple file-encrypting malware to complex operations involving data theft, system disruption and extortion. 

Key developments in 2025 include:

• AI-Powered Attacks: Cybercriminals are leveraging artificial intelligence to craft convincing phishing emails and deepfake audio, making social engineering attacks more effective.
• Targeting Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs): Attackers are focusing on SMBs, recognising that these organisations often have less robust security measures.
• Double Extortion Tactics: Beyond encrypting data, attackers are stealing sensitive information and threatening to release it publicly unless a ransom is paid. 
• Exploitation of Unpatched Systems: Attackers continue to exploit known vulnerabilities in unpatched systems. Regularly updating and patching software remains a critical defense strategy against ransomware attacks.
  
• Ransomware as a Service (RaaS): The RaaS model has lowered the barrier to entry for cybercriminals. By offering ransomware tools and infrastructure for rent, even individuals with limited technical skills can launch attacks, leading to a surge in ransomware incidents.

Notable Ransomware Incidents in 2025

Several high-profile ransomware attacks have underscored the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity:

• Marks & Spencer (M&S): The UK retailer suffered a significant ransomware attack, leading to an estimated £60 million in lost profits and over £1 billion in market value. The attack disrupted online operations and compromised customer and employee data. Source: The Times
• Co-op Supermarkets: Co-op experienced a cyberattack that disrupted supply chains and led to empty shelves across stores. The attack, attributed to the Scattered Spider group, compromised customer and staff data. Source: The Times
• Legal Aid Agency (UK): A cyberattack on the Legal Aid Agency resulted in the theft of personal data from individuals who had applied for legal aid since 2010. Source: Reuters

Radical Cloud Solutions: Your Partner in Cybersecurity

At Radical Cloud Solutions, we offer a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity and backup solutions designed to protect your business from evolving threats:

• Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud: An integrated solution combining backup, disaster recovery and advanced cybersecurity features to safeguard your data and systems.

• RADMARC Domain Security: Protects your domains from email impersonation and phishing attempts by managing and monitoring your DMARC process.

• RADSPY Data Protection: Provides account takeover and fraud prevention solutions backed by an extensive collection of recaptured data.

• RADSENTRY: Offers real-time monitoring and threat detection to identify and mitigate potential security breaches promptly.

In addition to these solutions, we provide:

• Website Backup and Support: Ensuring your website data is securely backed up and readily recoverable in case of an incident.

• An SSL certificate: While ransomware often hits systems through phishing or software vulnerabilities, weak website security can be an entry point too. An SSL certificate encrypts traffic between your site and your users, protecting login credentials and personal information. It’s one more layer of defense and a visible one your customers will appreciate.

• Managed Services: Comprehensive IT management, including routine system checks, backup verification, threat management and user support, allowing you to focus on your core business operations.

Let’s be Proactive

To mitigate the risk of ransomware attacks, businesses should consider the following strategies:

1. Implement Zero Trust Architecture: Adopt a security framework that requires all users, whether inside or outside the organisation’s network, to be authenticated and continuously validated. 
2. Regular Backups: Maintain frequent, encrypted and offline backups of critical data to ensure recovery in case of an attack. 
3. Endpoint Protection Across Devices: Ensure mobile devices are protected with robust endpoint security solutions like Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud, which offers unified protection for laptops, desktops and smartphones, critical in regions where mobile-first internet access dominates. 
4. Employee Training: Educate staff with Security Awareness Training on phishing and other social engineering tactics to reduce the likelihood of successful attacks. 
5. Engage Cybersecurity Experts: Partner with cybersecurity professionals for continuous monitoring and rapid response to potential threats.

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In conclusion, the ransomware landscape in 2025 is more aggressive and more targeted, but that doesn’t mean you’re defenseless. By understanding how attacks work and implementing the right layers of protection, you can stay resilient.

Radical Cloud Solutions is here to help. We are dedicated to supporting our clients in navigating these challenges and enhancing their cybersecurity posture.

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