The Rise of Ransomware: How It Works and How to Stay Safe

Ransomware is one of the most destructive cyber threats of the decade. In 2025, it continues to target healthcare systems, corporations, and even small businesses. But how exactly does it work?

How Ransomware Works:

1. Infection – via phishing emails, malicious attachments, or infected websites.
2. Encryption – all files are locked and inaccessible.
3. Demand – the attacker asks for payment (usually in cryptocurrency) to unlock your data.

Real-World Examples:

• Colonial Pipeline: Caused major fuel shortages across the U.S.
• Kaseya: Affected hundreds of organizations through software supply chain attack.
• MOVEit Transfer Exploits: Led to global data breaches in 2023–24.

Protection Tips:

• Perform regular backups and keep them disconnected from your network.
• Train staff on how to identify phishing attempts.
• Use endpoint detection & response (EDR) software.
• Apply security updates and patches without delay.

The best defense is preparation—don’t wait until it’s too late.