Ransomware Threat Outlook 2025 to 2027
Feb. 20, 2026
Global Korean Post
–
Ransomware is malicious software that locks your files or devices until a ransom is paid. It often spreads through phishing emails or fake downloads.
On January 28, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre), part of the Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE), released its Ransomware Threat Outlook 2025 to 2027, its latest assessment of ransomware threats facing Canada.
The Cyber Centre’s report covers the early history of ransomware, highlights emerging and projected trends, outlines its impact on Canada and Canadian organizations, and debunks common myths and misconceptions.
It also outlines the following key points:
- Ransomware is a growing threat: The ransomware threat continues to increase and evolve quickly, as threat actors adopt sophisticated tactics to carry out cybercrime. All organizations in Canada are at risk. Threat actors are opportunistic and financially motivated.
- Threat actors are evolving:They are leveraging new technologies – like artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency – while developing new extortion tactics to increase their financial reward
- Basic cyber hygiene is effective:Regular software updates, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and caution with phishing attempts are simple steps that help protect organizations and increase their cyber threat readiness.
- Collaboration is essential:Tackling ransomware requires continued cooperation and diligence among law enforcement, government agencies, private organizations, and the public.
The Cyber Centre assesses that ransomware attacks will remain a significant threat to Canada in the next 2 years. With the rise of AI, these threats have become cheaper and faster to conduct and harder to detect.
The Cyber Centre’s groundbreaking pre-ransomware notification initiative provides early warning to potential victims of ransomware incidents—helping them stop cybercrime before theft occurs. In 2024, the Cyber Centre issued 336 pre-ransomware notifications to over 300 Canadian organizations, resulting in an economic savings of up to $18 million.
Victims of ransomware should report incidents to their local authorities, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and the Cyber Centre (through My Cyber Portal or by email at contact@cyber.gc.ca).
by Global Korean Post
