Ransomware Surge and Ecosystem Fragmentation in 2025
Ransomware attacks in 2025 have escalated both in volume and sophistication, with a 34%-50% increase in incidents compared to the previous year and over 4,700 confirmed attacks globally between January and September. The ransomware ecosystem has become highly fragmented following law enforcement actions against major groups like LockBit and ALPHV/BlackCat, resulting in the emergence of 45 new groups and a record 85 active extortion operations. Attackers have adopted advanced tactics such as double and triple extortion, AI-driven phishing, and exploitation of cloud and operational technology, with critical infrastructure sectors—manufacturing, healthcare, energy, transportation, and finance—bearing the brunt of these attacks. Despite the surge in attacks, ransom payment rates have dropped to historic lows, forcing threat actors to adapt their business models and extortion strategies.
The operational landscape has also been shaped by shifting alliances and rebranding efforts among ransomware groups. Notably, the alleged alliance between Qilin, DragonForce, and LockBit has not led to a consolidation of power but rather continued the trend of ecosystem fragmentation. Analysis of data leak site activity post-alliance announcement shows no significant operational recovery for LockBit, despite renewed branding and the release of a new malware version. These developments underscore the resilience and adaptability of ransomware actors, as well as the ongoing challenges faced by defenders in tracking and mitigating the impact of increasingly decentralized and sophisticated ransomware operations.
Timeline
Apr 8, 2026
TRM reports 93 new ransomware variants and flat payments in 2025
TRM Labs reported that ransomware activity expanded in 2025 even as ransom payments stagnated, with leak-site victim postings up 44%, ransom payments holding near $850 million, and total ransomware-linked inflows around $1.3 billion. The firm said ecosystem fragmentation accelerated with 93 new ransomware variants in 2025, a 94% increase from 2024, while revenue remained concentrated among established groups.
Dec 19, 2025
Ransomware ecosystem fragments into more groups in 2025
By 2025, the ransomware landscape had become highly fragmented, with 85 active groups and 45 new entrants. This shift followed law enforcement disruption of major operations such as LockBit and ALPHV/BlackCat and coincided with growing use of data-only extortion and other adapted tactics.
Sep 30, 2025
KELA says half of 2025 ransomware attacks hit critical sectors
KELA reported that 2,332 ransomware incidents targeted critical infrastructure sectors between January and September 2025, a 34% increase year over year and roughly half of all recorded attacks. Manufacturing, healthcare, energy, transportation, and financial services were highlighted as top targets, with manufacturing attacks rising 61% to 838 incidents.
Sep 30, 2025
Global ransomware incidents surge through January-September 2025
Between January and September 2025, 4,701 confirmed ransomware incidents were recorded globally, representing a 34% to 50% increase over 2024. The period also saw ransom payment rates fall to roughly 23% to 25%, pushing threat actors toward new extortion models.
Sep 16, 2025
Qilin activity rises following the alliance announcement
After the September 15 alliance announcement, Qilin experienced a notable spike in activity, likely driven by increased visibility and migration of operators. DragonForce and Qilin otherwise appeared to continue growing autonomously rather than as part of a tightly integrated coalition.
Sep 15, 2025
Qilin, DragonForce, and LockBit announce an alliance
On September 15, 2025, an alliance between the ransomware groups Qilin, DragonForce, and LockBit was announced. Subsequent analysis suggests the move was largely symbolic, especially for LockBit, rather than evidence of deep operational integration.
Jul 31, 2025
Comparitech reports 65% rise in government ransomware attacks in H1 2025
Comparitech reported 208 ransomware attacks against government agencies worldwide in the first half of 2025, up 65% from the first half of 2024 and 25% from the second half of 2024. The analysis identified the United States as the most affected country and highlighted Qilin, INC, RansomHub, Funksec, Medusa, and SafePay among the groups targeting public-sector entities.
Jun 30, 2025
LockBit ceases posting new claims after June 2025
The Yarix analysis states that LockBit showed no operational recovery or new victim claims after June 2025. This marked a visible decline in the group's public activity amid broader pressure on major ransomware operations.
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