Latest Trends in Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) Models | A Deep Dive

Table of Contents

• What is Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)?
• How Does RaaS Work?
• Latest Trends in RaaS Models
• Impact of RaaS on Organizations and Individuals
• How to Protect Against RaaS Attacks
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)?

Ransomware-as-a-Service, or RaaS, is a business model that allows cybercriminals to rent or buy pre-developed ransomware tools to launch attacks without needing advanced technical skills. Think of it as a twisted version of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), like subscribing to Netflix or a cloud storage service, but instead of streaming movies, you’re renting malicious software to lock people’s data. RaaS has lowered the barrier to entry for cybercriminals, enabling even those with minimal coding knowledge to execute sophisticated attacks. These services are often sold on the dark web, complete with user-friendly interfaces, customer support, and even tutorials.

RaaS operates like a legitimate business, with developers creating the ransomware and affiliates (the “users”) deploying it. The profits from successful attacks are split between the developers and affiliates, usually with the latter keeping 70-80% of the ransom. This model has fueled a surge in ransomware attacks, as it allows more people to participate in cybercrime with little effort.

How Does RaaS Work?

RaaS works through a structured ecosystem that mimics legitimate software markets. Here’s a breakdown of how it typically operates:

• Development: Skilled programmers create ransomware, which is software designed to encrypt files and demand payment for decryption.
• Distribution: The ransomware is sold or leased on dark web marketplaces to affiliates, who may pay a one-time fee, a subscription, or a percentage of the ransom.
• Attack Execution: Affiliates use the ransomware to target victims, often through phishing emails, exploiting software vulnerabilities, or compromising weak passwords.
• Ransom Demand: Once the ransomware encrypts the victim’s data, a ransom note demands payment, usually in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, for a decryption key.
• Profit Sharing: If the victim pays, the affiliate and the RaaS developer split the profits according to their agreement.

Some RaaS platforms even offer dashboards to track infections, payments, and encrypted files, making it eerily similar to managing a legitimate business.

Latest Trends in RaaS Models

The RaaS landscape is constantly evolving, with cybercriminals adapting to new technologies and law enforcement efforts. Below are the most significant trends shaping RaaS models in 2025, based on recent reports and industry insights.

Decentralization of RaaS Operations

RaaS groups are becoming more agile by decentralizing their operations. Instead of large, centralized gangs, smaller, more flexible groups are emerging. This shift makes it harder for law enforcement to dismantle these operations, as seen with the disruption of major groups like LockBit, which has adapted by fragmenting its structure. Smaller groups can quickly pivot to new tactics, making them resilient against takedowns.

Rise of Double and Triple Extortion

Traditional ransomware locks files and demands payment for decryption. However, attackers are now using double extortion, where they encrypt data and steal sensitive information, threatening to leak it publicly if the ransom isn’t paid. Some groups have escalated to triple extortion, targeting not just the victim but also their customers, partners, or employees with threats of data exposure or harassment. This increases pressure on victims to pay, as the consequences extend beyond data loss.

Increased Use of AI and Automation

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being leveraged to make RaaS attacks more efficient. Attackers use AI to craft convincing phishing emails, automate vulnerability scanning, and even generate deepfake voicemails or videos to impersonate trusted individuals. This automation allows RaaS affiliates to scale their attacks, targeting more victims in less time.

Intermittent Encryption Techniques

A newer tactic called intermittent encryption is gaining traction. Instead of encrypting entire files, ransomware encrypts only parts of a file, making it unusable while evading detection by security software. This method, first seen in 2021 with LockFile ransomware, speeds up attacks and makes them harder to detect, as the encrypted files appear similar to unencrypted ones.

Targeting High-Value Industries

RaaS groups are increasingly focusing on industries with critical operations or sensitive data, such as healthcare, education, and government. These sectors are more likely to pay ransoms to avoid disruptions. For example, in 2023, healthcare was the most targeted industry, and in 2025, education and government sectors continue to see high attack rates due to outdated IT systems and limited cybersecurity budgets.

Cross-Platform Ransomware

Ransomware is no longer limited to Windows systems. New RaaS variants target macOS, Linux, Android, and even proprietary systems, expanding the attack surface. This trend reflects the growing diversity of devices and operating systems in use, making it critical for organizations to secure all platforms.

Data Exfiltration Over Encryption

Recent posts on X indicate a shift from encryption-based attacks to data theft-based extortion. Groups like Qilin are leading this trend, focusing on stealing sensitive data and threatening to leak it rather than locking files. This approach is less detectable, as it doesn’t rely on noisy encryption processes that trigger security alerts.

Table: Key RaaS Trends in 2025

Impact of RaaS on Organizations and Individuals

The rise of RaaS has had a profound impact on both organizations and individuals, with far-reaching consequences:

• Financial Losses: The average ransom payment in 2024 was $2.73 million, a significant increase from previous years. Beyond ransoms, organizations face recovery costs, legal fees, and potential fines for data breaches.
• Operational Disruption: Ransomware can halt critical operations, as seen in attacks on healthcare systems, where patient care was delayed, or government services, where essential systems were crippled.
• Data Exposure: With double and triple extortion, sensitive data like customer information or intellectual property can be leaked, damaging reputations and trust.
• Increased Vulnerability for Small Businesses: Small businesses, often lacking robust cybersecurity, are prime targets. A single attack can be devastating, with many unable to recover.
• Psychological Impact: For individuals, losing access to personal files or having private data exposed can cause significant stress and financial hardship.

High-profile incidents, such as the 2024 attack on CDK Global, which disrupted thousands of auto dealerships, and the 2022 attack on the city of Alexandria, highlight the widespread damage RaaS can cause.

How to Protect Against RaaS Attacks

While RaaS attacks are sophisticated, there are practical steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Educate Employees: Train staff to recognize phishing emails and social engineering tactics, as these are common entry points for ransomware.
• Regular Updates: Keep software, operating systems, and firmware updated to patch known vulnerabilities that RaaS exploits.
• Robust Backups: Perform frequent backups of critical data and store them offline or in separate locations. Test backups regularly to ensure they’re reliable.
• Endpoint Protection: Use modern antivirus and endpoint detection tools that leverage AI to detect suspicious behavior.
• Access Control: Limit administrative privileges and use strong, unique passwords to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
• Monitor Vendors: Assess the security posture of third-party vendors, as supply chain attacks are a growing threat.
• Incident Response Plan: Develop and test a plan to respond to ransomware attacks, including tabletop exercises to identify gaps.

By implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood and impact of a RaaS attack.

Conclusion

Ransomware-as-a-Service has transformed cybercrime into a highly accessible and profitable industry, enabling even inexperienced attackers to launch devastating attacks. The latest trends—decentralization, advanced extortion tactics, AI automation, intermittent encryption, and targeting diverse platforms—show that RaaS is becoming more sophisticated and harder to combat. Organizations and individuals face significant financial, operational, and emotional consequences from these attacks, with industries like healthcare, education, and government being particularly vulnerable. However, by staying informed and implementing proactive security measures like employee training, regular updates, and robust backups, you can protect yourself against this growing threat. As RaaS continues to evolve, staying ahead of the curve with strong cybersecurity practices is your best defense.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)?

RaaS is a business model where cybercriminals rent or buy ransomware tools to launch attacks, making it easy for anyone to execute ransomware without technical expertise.

How does RaaS differ from traditional ransomware?

Traditional ransomware requires attackers to create their own malware, while RaaS provides pre-built tools, support, and infrastructure, lowering the barrier to entry.

Who uses RaaS?

RaaS is used by affiliates, who are often cybercriminals with limited technical skills, and developers, who create and sell the ransomware tools.

What is double extortion?

Double extortion involves encrypting data and stealing it, with attackers threatening to leak the data if the ransom isn’t paid.

What is triple extortion?

Triple extortion adds a third layer of pressure by targeting the victim’s customers, partners, or employees with threats of data exposure or harassment.

Why is RaaS so popular among cybercriminals?

RaaS is popular because it’s profitable, easy to use, and reduces risk for developers by outsourcing attacks to affiliates.

Which industries are most targeted by RaaS?

Healthcare, education, government, and financial sectors are prime targets due to their critical operations and sensitive data.

How does AI contribute to RaaS attacks?

AI is used to automate phishing emails, scan for vulnerabilities, and create deepfake content to trick victims.

What is intermittent encryption?

Intermittent encryption encrypts only parts of a file, making it unusable while evading detection by security software.

Can RaaS attacks target mobile devices?

Yes, RaaS now includes ransomware that targets Android, iOS, and other mobile platforms.

How much is the average ransom payment?

In 2024, the average ransom payment was approximately $2.73 million, though costs vary by attack.

Should I pay the ransom if attacked?

The FBI advises against paying ransoms, as it doesn’t guarantee data recovery and encourages more attacks.

How can I protect my organization from RaaS?

Train employees, update software, use robust backups, and implement endpoint protection to reduce risks.

What is a supply chain attack in RaaS?

A supply chain attack targets a vendor or partner to gain access to multiple organizations, amplifying the attack’s impact.

How do RaaS groups recruit affiliates?

They advertise on dark web forums, offering ransomware kits with support, often requiring a fee or profit-sharing agreement.

Are small businesses at risk from RaaS?

Yes, small businesses are vulnerable due to limited cybersecurity resources, making them easy targets.

What role does cryptocurrency play in RaaS?

Cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin, is used for ransom payments because it’s hard to trace, enabling anonymous transactions.

How fast do RaaS attacks happen?

The median dwell time in 2025 is four days, meaning attacks are executed quickly to avoid detection.

Can backups prevent RaaS damage?

Regular, offline backups can minimize data loss, but they don’t protect against data leaks in extortion-based attacks.

What is the future of RaaS?

RaaS is expected to grow with more automation, cross-platform attacks, and advanced extortion tactics, making prevention critical.