Articles on ransomware: practical cyber security and technology leadership insights for UK SMEs, written by James Griffiths.
Introduction In July 2025, the UK government unveiled plans to introduce a targeted ban on ransomware payments by public sector bodies and regulated operators of critical national infrastructure (CNI). This represents a significant shift in the state’s approach to cyber-extortion: instead of mere g
In late September and early October 2025, the cybersecurity world was jolted by reports of a massive extortion campaign sweeping across the United States. Executives at multiple organisations spanning industries and geographies have received threatening emails claiming that cybercriminals have stole
Introduction Ransomware has dominated the cybersecurity landscape for more than a decade, evolving from crude screen lockers into sophisticated, multi-billion-pound extortion operations. But in 2025, the game has changed once again. With the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI), attackers
Introduction Malware naming often evokes seriousness terms like Emotet, Ryuk, and BlackEnergy carry connotations of menace and precision. But sometimes, attackers deliberately adopt unusual or even humorous labels to disarm, confuse, or taunt defenders. In 2025, researchers identified a new Mirai va
Introduction In the constantly evolving landscape of cyber security, defenders face an increasingly complex challenge. While many people envision attackers armed with advanced malware and bespoke exploit kits, a large proportion of modern cyber attacks rely on something far subtler: the tools that a
1. Introduction In July 2025, the UK Government, in partnership with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), unveiled new legislation targeting ransomware payments. Under the proposals: This marks a significant shift in strategy from discouragement to prohibition in certain cases and has sparked
When people hear the terms dark web or deep web, their imaginations often run wild with images of criminal networks, anonymous hackers, and shady dealings. While these portrayals have some basis in truth, they often oversimplify or misrepresent a complex and multifaceted part of the internet. In thi
Introduction Ransomware remains one of the most devastating and common threats facing organizations today. To ensure teams are ready to respond effectively, running a tabletop exercise is essential. This structured, discussion-based simulation allows stakeholders to walk through a hypothetical incid
As we navigate through 2025, the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, with ransomware remaining a significant threat to organisations worldwide. Here, we delve into the top five ransomware groups currently making headlines and provide a summary of their Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (T