Ransomware 2025: The Human Factor as a Gateway

Ransomware landscape, technology isn’t always the first target. In 2025, cybercriminals have once again proven that the weakest link in cybersecurity remains the human factor. Attacks no longer always begin with the exploitation of technical vulnerabilities: increasingly, they begin with a convincing conversation, a call, or a simple message that tricks an employee.

One of the most recent cases confirms this. On July 29, 2025, CISA and the FBI issued an alert about the Scattered Spider group, which has perfected the use of social engineering to infiltrate companies. After compromising employee credentials, these attackers deploy the DragonForce ransomware, combining mass encryption and data extortion to extort their victims.

The method behind the attack

Scattered Spider does not limit itself to sending generic emails. Its operators carefully research target organizations, identify key employees, and use techniques such as SIM swapping, push bombing attacks, or corporate chat impersonation to trick them into revealing credentials or approving malicious access.

These techniques include:

• SIM swapping: stealing a phone number by duplicating the SIM card to intercept verification messages or calls.
  
• Push bombing: repeatedly sending multifactor authentication (MFA) requests until the user, out of fatigue or distraction, approves them.
  
• Corporate chat impersonation: posing as a colleague or superior on platforms like Teams or Slack to obtain credentials or authorize fraudulent access.

Once inside, they deploy the ransomware and execute double extortion tactics. This method, which we have also analyzed in cases such as Airline ransomware combines file hijacking with the threat of publishing sensitive information if the ransom is not paid.

Why technology alone is not enough

Many companies have invested in next-generation firewalls, EDRs, and monitoring systems. However, these attacks demonstrate that if an employee inadvertently grants access, technical barriers can be rendered useless. That’s why, at HelpRansomware, we insist that staff training is just as critical as the technical infrastructure.

Cyberattack training programs help employees identify social engineering attempts and know how to respond to suspicious messages, preventing a simple click from turning into a corporate disaster.

Comprehensive prevention: technology, people and procedures

To resist attacks like the Scattered Spider, prevention must address three fronts:

• Robust technology : network segmentation, multi-factor authentication, and encrypted offline backups. In case of infection, tools such as Ransomware decryption tools can help, although they are not always effective for all variants.
  
• Clear procedures : have a documented plan of Crisis management that includes internal and external communication protocols, containment steps, and escalation routes to experts.
  
• Collaboration with specialists : Work with teams with real-world experience in data recovery and ransomware negotiation. HelpRansomware offers comprehensive support before, during, and after an attack.
  

Lessons for 2025

Scattered Spider case is a stark reminder: no system is invulnerable if the people using it can be tricked. Ransomware evolves, but the goal remains the same: access, control, and extortion. The companies that survive these incidents aren’t necessarily the largest or most technologically advanced, but rather those that integrate prevention into every level of their organization.

Conclusion

Social engineering is one of ransomware groups’ most effective weapons today. Ignoring it is inviting attackers to enter without forcing a single door. In 2025, the strongest defense combines technical barriers with an ingrained cybersecurity culture throughout the enterprise.

At HelpRansomware, we help organizations anticipate threats, detect human and technical vulnerabilities, and respond effectively to any incident. Don’t wait to be the next victim: strengthen your cybersecurity strategy today.