Threat Intelligence

The modern ransomware playbook: Phishing and GenAI attacks

Explore multi-layered ransomware threats that exploit human vulnerabilities and AI technologies and get actionable strategies to strengthen your defenses.

by David Hood

Jul 21, 2025

Key Points

Understanding ransomware’s evolution is essential for organizations seeking to safeguard their operations and data from today’s evolving threats.
Explore two modern ransomware techniques, phishing and GenAI, that rely on a blend of technical exploits and human manipulation.
Three pillars of a strong cyber defense strategy include advancing your threat prevention tools, strengthening cybersecurity awareness, and ensuring operational continuity.

Ransomware attacks are no longer simple operations aimed at encrypting files and demanding payment. These attacks have evolved into sophisticated, multi-layered threats that exploit human vulnerabilities and innovative technologies. Understanding the modern ransomware playbook is essential for organizations seeking to safeguard their operations and data.

Phishing and generative AI-powered attacks are two key ransomware techniques that require proactive strategies to strengthen your defenses.

The evolution of ransomware

Ransomware has come a long way from its early days of spreading through malicious spam emails. Today, it represents one of the most pervasive cyber threats, with attackers leveraging advanced technologies and creative tactics to exploit human and system vulnerabilities.

Consider these stats:

Ransomware was involved in 44% of breaches in 2025, up from 32% in 2024.
Smaller organizations are disproportionately targeted, accounting for 88% of ransomware breaches.

This rise is driven by sophisticated attack methods, such as generative AI for crafting phishing content, and the commoditization of cybercrime through Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS).

Two modern ransomware techniques

The modern ransomware playbook relies on a blend of technical exploits and human manipulation, including phishing and GenAI:

1. Phishing and spear phishing remain the entry points

Phishing persists as one of the most common methods for delivering ransomware. Attackers send deceptive emails, often impersonating trusted entities like HR or IT support, to trick users into clicking on malicious links or attachments. Once clicked, ransomware infiltrates systems, encrypts data, or even exfiltrates sensitive information.

What makes phishing more dangerous today:

A 7x increase in QR code phishing (quishing), which bypasses traditional email filters.
Tailored spear-phishing emails created using generative AI, which personalize messages based on user behavior or organizational details.

Actionable defenses:

Train employees regularly to recognize phishing attempts and verify any suspicious requests directly with IT teams.
Deploy advanced email filtering tools capable of analyzing links post-click.

2. Generative AI supercharges ransomware campaigns

Generative AI (GenAI) is a significant change for cybercriminals. These tools enable attackers to craft convincing social engineering messages, evade defenses, and automate the creation of evasive malware.

With GenAI, threat actors can:

Generate highly realistic phishing emails with convincing language and structure.
Develop polymorphic malware, which alters its code with each deployment to evade detection.
Analyze stolen data and tailor ransom demands based on financial or organizational insights.

Actionable defenses:

Invest in AI-powered security solutions capable of detecting generative AI-based threats. Consider how your cybersecurity vendors remain dedicated to responsible AI innovation and customer empowerment, ensuring rigorous performance standards for AI usage across all products.
Encourage a cybersecurity culture where employees report suspicious activity without fear of repercussions.

Build a ransomware-resistant organization

Effectively combating ransomware requires a multilayered approach that integrates people, processes, and technology. Below are three pillars of a strong cyber defense strategy:

Advance your threat prevention tools

Technology remains a critical line of defense against ransomware. Organizations should invest in solutions that can detect and neutralize threats in real time.

Key tools include:

Behavioral analytics to spot anomalies in user actions.
Threat intelligence integration across platforms like SIEM and XDR.
At-time-of-click analysis for URLs, which blocks malicious links before they can harm the system.

Strengthen cybersecurity awareness

Human error contributes to nearly 60% of breaches, underscoring the importance of training. However, training alone isn’t enough; it must be dynamic and context specific.

Actionable steps:

Conduct frequent phishing simulations to test employee readiness.
Use near-miss incident analysis to identify recurring behavioral risks.
Customize training for high-risk roles within the organization.

Ensure operational continuity

Preparation is essential to minimize downtime and damage during ransomware attacks. Organizations should focus on resilience, ensuring they can maintain business operations even during an incident.

Best practices include:

Backing up critical data frequently and storing it in an immutable format.
Automating recovery processes to quickly restore systems after an attack.
Developing a clear incident response plan that details roles, responsibilities, and workflows.

Preventing ransomware by securing human risk

Modern ransomware attacks are as much about exploiting human vulnerabilities as they are about deploying technical exploits. As phishing, generative AI, and RaaS dramatically enhance the scale and sophistication of these campaigns, organizations must rethink their defensive playbooks.

By empowering employees, adopting advanced threat prevention tools, and prioritizing resilience, businesses can turn the tide against ransomware. The future will undoubtedly bring new challenges, but a proactive, adaptive approach will ensure your organization stays one step ahead.

Learn more about preventing ransomware by securing human risk