Cut off one head, and two more grow back. 

This ancient saying, inspired by the mythical hydra, perfectly captures the resilience of ransomware groups. Despite the success of global law enforcement to impact notorious criminal groups like LockBit and ALPHV, these takedowns have given rise to even more dangerous collectives. The latest example: RansomHub, a ransomware group that emerged in early 2024 and has quickly become one of the most prolific and destructive forces in cybercrime. Within just six months, RansomHub hit over 200 victims, including major organizations with international reach.

RansomHub’s success is not coincidental—it’s the result of seizing an opportunity left open by the downfall of other groups. After the takedown of LockBit and the exit scam of ALPHV, RansomHub’s operators eagerly recruited disgruntled affiliates from both groups. By offering an unusually high payout structure—90% of the ransom going to the affiliate, compared to the typical 70% or 80%—RansomHub quickly attracted a large and capable workforce. This, coupled with their aggressive targeting, has made them one of the most formidable ransomware threats today.

Yet, as RansomHub’s meteoric rise shows, the ransomware ecosystem is ever-changing. While their success may plateau, other criminal collectives are already positioning themselves to take over. It’s a stark reminder that no takedown, no matter how significant, will ever fully eradicate the ransomware threat. 

In terms of what that means for 2025, it is quite simple: the ransomware battle has no end. In fact, it’s shaping up to get worse.

So what can organizations do to protect themselves in this rapidly evolving landscape? Here are several critical steps to help mitigate the harm caused by ransomware:

1. Implement Robust Backups and Incident Response Plans

One of the most effective ways to counter a ransomware attack is to ensure that your data is backed up regularly. Backup files should be kept offline and, if possible, in a separate network segment. This prevents attackers from encrypting or destroying backup data. Additionally, an effective incident response plan should include clear procedures for responding quickly in the event of an attack, minimizing downtime and loss of productivity.

2. Adopt a Zero Trust Security Model

A Zero Trust architecture assumes that no one—inside or outside the organization—can be trusted by default. It requires rigorous identity verification, even for users and devices already inside the network. By segmenting the network and controlling access to sensitive data based on strict authentication and authorization protocols, organizations can limit the scope of an attack and prevent ransomware from spreading across their entire infrastructure.

3. Conduct Regular Training and Exercises

Ransomware often enters a network through phishing emails, malicious links, or social engineering. Organizations should invest in regular training and exercises for employees to help them understand the threats the organization faces and their roles in the response efforts. Ensuring that staff understand the risks and know their roles can drastically reduce the likelihood of an initial infection and downtime when an incident occurs.

4. Keep Software Up to Date and Patch Vulnerabilities

Ransomware actors frequently exploit known software vulnerabilities to gain access to a network. Organizations should establish a routine process for patching and updating all systems—especially those running outdated or unsupported software. Many ransomware attacks could be mitigated simply by staying on top of software updates and applying patches as soon as they are released.

5. Use Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Tools

Traditional antivirus software often fails to detect sophisticated ransomware attacks. Instead, organizations should implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools that can monitor, detect, and respond to suspicious activities in real time. EDR solutions can identify malicious behavior, such as file encryption or network reconnaissance, and can isolate infected systems before they spread throughout the network.

6. Limit User Privileges and Access Controls

A key tactic in ransomware attacks is lateral movement within the network. Attackers often escalate privileges to gain administrative access to systems, allowing them to encrypt large swaths of data. Limiting user privileges, implementing least-privilege access, and employing application-based multi-factor authentication (MFA) for admin accounts can prevent attackers from gaining full control over a system. Additionally, organizations should regularly audit user accounts and remove unnecessary access rights to reduce the number of potential entry points for ransomware.

7. Prepare for Incident Response

Even with the best prevention measures in place, no organization is entirely immune to ransomware. It’s crucial to have an incident response (IR) plan that is specifically tailored to ransomware attacks. This should include isolating infected machines, notifying legal and regulatory authorities, and determining whether paying the ransom is a viable option. This IR plan should be exercised at least annually through tabletop exercises and war games. Having a clear, tested response plan can significantly reduce the impact and speed up recovery after an attack.

8. Monitor for Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)

Cybercriminal groups like RansomHub are increasingly using advanced tactics to stay under the radar, but they still leave behind indicators of compromise (IoCs) that can be tracked by security teams. Organizations should use threat intelligence platforms to monitor for IoCs related to ransomware attacks—such as specific malware hashes, IP addresses, or domain names—allowing them to detect and respond to threats early.

9. Engage with Law Enforcement and Cybersecurity Experts

Given the international scope of ransomware attacks, collaborating with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts can provide valuable assistance. Organizations should establish relationships with local and national cybercrime units, as well as cybersecurity firms and industry associations to ensure they have the support they need in the event of an attack. These experts can also help identify emerging threats and share information about the latest attack techniques.

10. Evaluate Cyber Insurance Policies

Cyber insurance can provide financial relief in the aftermath of a ransomware attack, covering the cost of recovery, legal fees, and, in some cases, ransom payments. However, not all policies are created equal, so it’s essential to thoroughly evaluate your coverage. Some insurers may even require you to meet specific security standards before they will provide coverage, so ensuring your organization is meeting these standards can help you avoid unexpected costs.

RansomHub’s rapid rise highlights the relentless nature of ransomware groups and the difficulty in eradicating such threats. However, organizations can still take proactive steps to protect themselves. By implementing strong security measures, training employees, and preparing for potential attacks, businesses can minimize the likelihood of falling victim to ransomware and reduce the impact when attacks do occur. In the ever-evolving ransomware landscape, the best defense is a multi-layered approach that is agile, prepared, and ready to respond.