In 2025, ransomware has evolved from isolated attacks by technical hackers into a full-blown criminal industry powered by Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS). This business model lets even low-skilled threat actors deploy devastating ransomware campaigns by simply renting toolkits, infrastructure, and support from experienced cybercrime operators—complete with dashboards, affiliate programs, and customer service. RaaS platforms now offer customizable payloads, encryption algorithms, and automated leak sites to publish stolen data from non-paying victims. This shift has dramatically increased both the volume and sophistication of ransomware attacks across the globe. Organizations are being hit not just with encrypted data, but with double or even triple extortion—where attackers threaten to leak sensitive information or launch DDoS attacks unless payment is made. At Cyber Protection Academy, we emphasize that defending against RaaS requires a layered strategy: frequent offline backups, endpoint detection and response (EDR), strict privilege controls, employee phishing awareness, and continuous threat intelligence. In today’s landscape, ransomware isn’t just a threat—it’s a business. And like any business, it adapts fast. Let me know when you’re ready for the feature image.