In a stark warning to organizations globally, CyberEdge Group’s 2025 Cyberthreat Defense Report (CDR) has revealed a troubling trend: only 54% of organizations that paid a ransom to cybercriminals in 2024 successfully recovered their data. This report, released today, marks a critical turning point in the ongoing battle against ransomware and exposes the unreliability of the so-called "honor system" used by criminals.
“Organizations are finally wising up. They’re investing in resilience, improving backups, and refusing to reward cybercriminals,” said Steve Piper, founder and CEO of CyberEdge Group. “But for those still tempted to pay, this year’s results are a wake-up call: nearly half who paid got nothing in return. It’s like handing over a bag of cash and watching the crooks vanish.”
Now in its 12th year, CyberEdge’s CDR is one of the most trusted research benchmarks in the industry. Drawing insights from 1,200 IT security professionals across 17 countries and 19 sectors, the 2025 edition captures both the wins and the ongoing struggles of the cybersecurity landscape.
A Ransomware Paradox: Fewer Attacks, But Less Data Recovery
The data presents a mixed picture. On the one hand, ransomware incidents are trending downward, with successful attacks decreasing from 73% two years ago to 63% in 2024. Additionally, fewer companies are paying ransoms—just 41% of those targeted by ransomware chose to pay in 2024, compared to 63% three years prior.
However, the most alarming statistic is the sharp decline in the success of ransom payments. Two years ago, 73% of organizations that paid a ransom were able to recover their data. Today, that number has fallen to just 54%.
This highlights a major erosion of trust in ransomware actors’ promises and signals a shift in how cybercriminal groups operate. Some groups may lack the technical capability or resources to fulfill decryption requests, while others may simply renege after payment. Either way, the assumption that paying a ransom guarantees recovery is quickly becoming obsolete.
Why Fewer Are Paying Up
CyberEdge’s report points to growing maturity in how organizations approach ransomware defense. Stronger backup strategies, improved incident response plans, and a better understanding of the risks associated with rewarding attackers are likely driving the decline in ransom payments.
The ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) model—where criminal developers lease ransomware to affiliates—has also led to inconsistent treatment of victims. “The professionalism once touted by top ransomware gangs is vanishing as less experienced operators enter the fray,” said Piper.
Beyond Ransomware: Key Insights from the 2025 CDR
While ransomware remains a dominant threat, the Cyberthreat Defense Report covers broader trends shaping cybersecurity in 2025:
AI Becomes a Must-Have in Cyber Defense
Artificial intelligence is cementing its role in security operations. A staggering 84% of IT security professionals now favor AI-powered tools, especially for real-time threat detection, behavioral analysis, and automation of repetitive tasks.
As the volume and velocity of attacks increase, AI’s ability to identify anomalies and reduce false positives makes it indispensable for modern security teams.
Hope vs. Reality: The Expectation Gap
Despite 82% of organizations experiencing at least one successful cyberattack in 2024, only 64% expect to be hit this year—suggesting either cautious optimism or misplaced confidence.
This “expectation gap” may indicate an over-reliance on new tools or an underestimation of the increasingly sophisticated tactics used by threat actors. Organizations need to balance hope with hardened realism as they prepare for what’s ahead.
Human Error Remains a Top Challenge
Despite technological advancements, human behavior remains one of cybersecurity’s weakest links. Low security awareness among employees was ranked as the top challenge facing IT security teams—outpacing issues like funding, staffing shortages, and regulatory pressure.
The findings underscore the ongoing importance of security awareness training, phishing simulations, and building a security-first culture.
Most Difficult Assets to Defend
Security professionals identified several key infrastructure areas as particularly hard to defend:
- Mobile devices
- Industrial control systems (ICS)
- IoT devices
- Containers (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
These assets often have unique configurations, limited patching capabilities, and broader attack surfaces, making them prime targets for advanced threat actors.
Identity Security Takes Center Stage
A striking 98% of organizations plan to strengthen their identity security posture in 2025. The focus is shifting from simple access control to proactive threat detection and response—particularly as identity-based attacks, such as credential stuffing and privilege escalation, grow more prevalent.
The Rise of MSSPs and MDR
With cyber threats outpacing in-house resources, 90% of organizations are turning to Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) for help. The most in-demand service? Managed Detection and Response (MDR), which combines 24/7 monitoring, threat hunting, and rapid incident response.
For many organizations, MSSPs provide a cost-effective way to scale their defenses, especially for mid-size companies that lack dedicated security operations centers.
Security Certifications Still Matter
When it comes to professional development, certifications in security management and security engineering were deemed the most valuable. These credentials not only enhance technical credibility but also help professionals stay aligned with evolving frameworks and compliance demands.
Top Security Tech Investments for 2025
Looking ahead, organizations are prioritizing four key technology areas for investment:
- Next-generation firewalls (network security)
- Deception technology (endpoint security)
- Bot management (application and data security)
- Advanced security analytics (security management and operations)
These tools mark a shift from reactive defense to proactive threat hunting and intelligence-driven security.
Final Thoughts: Resilience Over Ransom
CyberEdge’s 2025 Cyberthreat Defense Report delivers a clear message: while progress is being made, complacency is not an option. The drop in successful ransomware attacks and payments is encouraging, but the plummeting success rate of data recovery post-payment reveals a new reality—one where paying criminals no longer guarantees resolution.
Instead, organizations must focus on building resilience. This includes regularly tested backups, employee training, real-time threat detection, and a well-prepared incident response plan.
Above all, the report serves as a reminder that cybersecurity is not just a technical challenge—it’s a strategic imperative. And in 2025, trusting cybercriminals is a risk no organization can afford.
About the Report
The 2025 Cyberthreat Defense Report, sponsored in part by Security Buzz, is based on a 27-question survey conducted in November 2024. Participants included IT security professionals from mid-sized to large enterprises (500+ employees) across six global regions and 19 industries. The report is widely cited as a benchmark for security trends, challenges, and investment priorities across the cybersecurity industry.
