Ransomware profits drop as victims stop paying hackers

Ransomware profits drop as victims stop paying hackers

The number of victims paying ransomware threat actors has reached a new low, with just 23% of the breached companies giving in to attackers’ demands.

With some exceptions, the decline in payment resolution rates continues the trend that Coveware has observed for the past six years.

In the first quarter of 2024, the payment percentage was 28%. Although it increased over the next period, it continued to drop, reaching an all-time low in the third quarter of 2025.

One explanation for this is that organizations implementedstronger and more targeted protections against ransomware, and authorities increasing pressure for victims not to pay the hackers.

“Cyber defenders, law enforcement, and legal specialists should view this as validation of collective progress,” Covewaresays.

“The work that gets put in to prevent attacks, minimize the impact of attacks, and successfully navigate a cyber extortion — each avoided payment constricts cyber attackers of oxygen.”

Percentage of ransom payments over time
Initial access vectors in Q3 2025insider recruitment, offering large bribes for help gaining initial access.

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