In today’s cyber threat landscape, ransomware remains one of the most disruptive and costly forms of attack. Unfortunately, this is no longer just a problem for large corporations—ransomware now affects businesses of all sizes, industries, and locations. And as the methods evolve, so must our understanding of the different types of ransomware and the steps we need to take to protect ourselves from an attack.
At FusionTek, we help businesses strengthen their defenses with proactive cybersecurity strategies. In this post, we’re unpacking five common types of ransomware you need to be aware of, why they should matter as a business owner, and how to improve your ransomware prevention strategy before it’s too late.
What Is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that blocks access to systems, files, or networks until a ransom is paid—typically in cryptocurrency. It can encrypt files, lock entire devices, or even threaten to leak sensitive data. The goal of ransomware attacks is to pressure businesses into paying to restore operations or avoid public exposure. As attacks become more sophisticated, understanding the types of ransomware and how they operate is crucial to staying secure.
Why Ransomware Is Still a Leading Threat in 2025
Ransomware isn’t just sticking around—it’s evolving. With the rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), threat actors no longer need to build malware from scratch. They can simply buy or lease it. Modern ransomware campaigns now often involve multiple stages, including data exfiltration, lateral movement across networks, and follow-up extortion. This level of complexity makes early detection and strong security measures more important than ever.
The 5 Prevalent Types of Ransomware Attacks Today:
Crypto Ransomware
Crypto Ransomware is one of the most common types of ransomware. This type of attack works by encrypting files across a victim’s system, making them unusable or inaccessible. In some cases, intruders are even able to get outside of the users’ files and can encrypt a wider range of company data. Victims are then presented with a ransom demand in exchange for a decryption key.
This type of ransomware can be hard to detect because it can linger on a network and go unnoticed until the files are encrypted. In some cases, an attacker may even choose to wait until something of significance can be encrypted. These attacks are designed to cause immediate disruption and panic – often leading to a paid ransom.
Advanced Security Tip: Encryption and stolen files only stops a business in its tracks when they cannot restore the files. We recommend that businesses back up files regularly and store them in multiple places, including an offline location. You can also utilize advanced endpoint detection to monitor your security and keep systems patched.
Locker Ransomware
Locker ransomware doesn’t just encrypt data—it locks users out of their entire system. Victims are unable to access their desktops or use other related devices, essentially rendering the machines inoperable. While files may remain untouched, access is completely blocked, and regaining access will come at a cost. This sort of attack can induce immediate panic in the victim and the threat actors are hoping that means a quicker ransom payment.
Advanced Security Tip: Implement strong access controls, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), and limit administrative privileges to only those who need it.
Scareware
Scareware uses fear-based pop-up alerts to deceive users into believing their system is infected or compromised. These fake alerts push victims to purchase fraudulent security software or call fake tech support numbers. Once the software has been downloaded, it creates a gateway to deeper infections. This can be done in the form of pop-ups, phishing emails, calls, and texts.
Advanced Security Tip: To prevent this, you should educate employees on phishing and scareware tactics. You can also use reputable antivirus tools, browser security tools, and email security tools to protect your employees and business.
Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)
Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) allows cybercriminals to rent ransomware kits from developers in exchange for a cut of the profits. This means even novice attackers can launch complex campaigns with ease. There are many different names for the kits that can be purchased, and many utilize a different method of attack.
This service has drastically increased the number and variety of ransomware attacks across the globe. IT professionals are watching this RaaS closely, as it indicates the growing ecosystem of threat actors.
Advanced Security Tip: To help mitigate the chances of experiencing this type of ransomware attack, use threat intelligence to detect known indicators of compromise. You can also harden email security and restrict script-based activity.
Doxware or Leakware
Doxware or Leakware is an attack method in which the attacker steals sensitive and sometimes personal data, then threatens to leak it publicly if the ransom isn’t paid. This could be information from emails, information about your employees, or even confidential data between you and your clients.
This sort of attack style is designed to ruin your reputation if the ransom is not paid, in hopes the information will prompt you to pay it. This method preys on a company’s fear of reputational damage, legal exposure, or compliance violations.
Advanced Security Tip: Encrypt all sensitive data and monitor for suspicious outbound traffic. It is also good to regularly review access permissions and ensure you have security policies in place to protect your data from attackers.
An Emerging Threat Trend – Double Extortion Ransomware
Double extortion ransomware goes beyond encryption by also stealing sensitive data. If the ransom isn’t paid, attackers threaten to leak the stolen information publicly—or worse, sell it to competitors or post it on leak sites. If the ransom is not paid to decrypt the files, the attackers threaten to release the stolen data to the public—or worse, to competitors or regulators.
Over the holiday weekend, this tactic was used in a large breach of the technology company, Ingram Micro. This type of ransomware is becoming increasingly popular and aims to create more leverage for the attacker to receive payment.
This is important because in many cases, simply encrypting data may not actually halt business operations. If the business has advanced security protections in place, they may be able to restore their data—reducing the attackers’ leverage. However, the added threat of leaking stolen data may give attackers the extra pressure they need to force a payment.
Advanced Security Tip: Segment your network, monitor file movement, and ensure sensitive files are encrypted internally. To do this, you can also utilize advanced security tools that provide endpoint detection response and managed detection response to ensure your systems are being monitored at all times.
Tips for Stronger Network Security
Ransomware protection doesn’t come down to a single tool—it requires a layered approach. Here are some key strategies:
- Backups, Backups, Backups: Back up data often and test your restores to ensure it is sufficiently backing up the data. Store backups in multiple places and ensure those locations are secure, and offline.
- Security Awareness Training: Employees continue to be one of the greatest threats to business security. Ongoing and regularly scheduled security training can help educate your team on how to spot phishing attempts, scareware, and suspicious behavior.
- Patch Everything: From operating systems to third-party apps, vulnerabilities are a key entry point for many threat actors. Be sure that your technology team or IT service provider is consistently updating and patching areas of your network. New vulnerabilities are found all the time, and it is essential you secure your network regularly.
- Implement Zero Trust Access Controls: Zero trust access controls are one of the latest tools IT teams can utilize to gain more control of their network. With zero trust, you can limit access to only what users need, only allow downloads from reputable sources, and hardens your approval process for technology changes at a user level.
- Have An Incident Response Plan In Place: When an incident does occur, the last thing you want to do is scramble. Have a plan in place. The faster you respond, the better your outcome will be.
Need IT Support for Ransomware Prevention?
Looking to strengthen your ransomware protection strategy or get help identifying vulnerabilities in your current IT environment? Let’s talk about how to reduce your risk and increase your defenses. Contact our team to get started – Contact Us
You can also review our Phishing Identification Guide — a key step in stopping ransomware attacks before they start.
