The Growing Threat of Ransomware — Why Businesses Need to Prepare

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Edwin Alexander
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The Growing Threat of Ransomware — Why Businesses Need to Prepare

In 2025, ransomware remains one of the most severe and disruptive cybersecurity threats facing businesses globally.

As attack methods grow more sophisticated and ransom demands rise, companies—regardless of size—must reassess their preparedness for an incident that is no longer a question of “if,” but “when.”

According to a 2025 report by Sophos, 66% of organisations experienced a ransomware attack in 2024, with average ransom payments soaring past USD 1.5 million.

Malaysia, like many Southeast Asian nations, has seen a sharp increase in reported cases, particularly among SMEs and healthcare providers.

Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS): Lowering the Barrier for Cybercriminals

The rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) is fueling this wave of attacks.

RaaS platforms—such as LockBit, BlackCat, and Akira—offer user-friendly interfaces, subscription models, and even customer support, allowing individuals with limited technical skills to launch devastating campaigns.

These platforms often include features like encryption algorithms, automated payload delivery, and real-time dashboards to track infections—blurring the line between malware and legitimate SaaS platforms.

Double and Triple Extortion Tactics

Modern ransomware campaigns frequently involve more than just encrypting files. Double extortion—where attackers steal sensitive data before encrypting it—gives them leverage to demand payment or risk public exposure. In 2025, triple extortion has become prevalent, involving threats to customers, vendors, or regulatory authorities.

A recent case in Malaysia involved a logistics company whose client data was leaked on a dark web forum after refusing to pay a ransom demand in Bitcoin. CyberSecurity Malaysia confirmed that the breach exploited an unpatched vulnerability in an outdated firewall appliance.

Why Malaysian Businesses Are at Higher Risk

Malaysia’s digital economy is booming, but cybersecurity maturity across industries remains uneven. Many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) lack the resources or knowledge to implement comprehensive cybersecurity strategies.

According to the Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy 2020–2024, ransomware is among the top five threats targeted at national critical information infrastructure. The government has issued multiple advisories urging businesses to improve endpoint protection, back up data regularly, and conduct tabletop exercises to simulate breach scenarios.

Furthermore, new amendments to the PDPA 2024 mandate breach notification obligations, making ransomware attacks not just a security risk but also a legal one.

The Financial and Reputational Fallout

Beyond ransom payments, ransomware incidents cause severe business disruption. Downtime, data recovery, reputational damage, legal liabilities, and regulatory fines can accumulate costs far beyond the ransom itself.

A study by IBM estimates that the average cost of a data breach in 2024 was USD 4.45 million, with ransomware breaches ranking among the most expensive due to their complex nature.

Preparing for the Inevitable

The most effective defence is preparation. Experts recommend the following steps:

  1. Implement a 3-2-1 backup strategy — Maintain three copies of data, on two different storage types, with one copy offline.
  2. Patch early, patch often — Most ransomware exploits known vulnerabilities. Maintain a strict patch management routine.
  3. Use Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) — Solutions like SentinelOne and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint can detect and stop threats in real-time.
  4. Employee training — Human error remains the most common entry point. Regular phishing simulations and cybersecurity training are essential.
  5. Have a ransomware response plan — Prepare a communication plan, legal contacts, and incident response protocols.

The Role of Law Enforcement and International Cooperation

In 2025, international cooperation has become a cornerstone in fighting ransomware. Operations led by INTERPOL and Europol have successfully disrupted several ransomware gangs, including the takedown of the notorious Hive group in early 2025 (Europol, 2025).

In Malaysia, the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) has strengthened its partnerships with ASEAN counterparts, working closely with industry players through public-private information sharing.

Conclusion: Resilience Over Reaction

As ransomware becomes more targeted and complex, businesses must shift from reactive to resilient cybersecurity strategies. The threat is real, growing, and expensive—but with adequate planning and investment, it is also manageable.

Ransomware isn’t going away. But those who prepare will not only survive—they’ll outpace competitors still stuck in reactive mode.

Final Thoughts

Ransomware and other cyber threats aren’t slowing down—and neither should your defences. Security isn’t a checklist item; it’s a mindset.

A truly resilient organisation invests in layered protection, up-to-date intelligence, and ongoing employee awareness. The goal? Stay one step ahead, always.

🛡️ Don’t wait for your employees to be the last line of defence.

👉 Start with Exabytes eSecure to explore how we can help you with cybersecurity-related issues.

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