**RANSOMWARE TRENDS SHOW NEW TWISTS TO OLD GAME**

Ransomware, the persistent threat that refuses to fade away, continues to evolve in ways both surprising and unsettling. As organizations of all sizes and types struggle to keep pace with these ever-changing tactics, security experts warn that new threats are emerging on the horizon.

The latest statistics paint a grim picture: according to the 2025 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, ransomware was involved in 44% of all security breaches – up from 32% the previous year. Moreover, recent estimates suggest that ransomware payments range from $267,000 to $1 million.

While phishing and other tried-and-true attack methods remain effective, cybercriminals are increasingly turning to more sophisticated tactics. Voice-based and AI-fueled methods are being used to target victims with unprecedented precision and efficiency. Some security experts even predict the emergence of AI-driven autonomous ransomware pipelines, a development that sends shivers down the spines of even the most seasoned cybersecurity professionals.

**DRAGONFORCE: THE CARTEL-LIKE MODEL**

Researchers at LevelBlue have identified a disturbing trend among ransomware gangs. The DragonForce group, in particular, is attempting to adopt a cartel-like model inspired by organized crime. By collaborating with other gangs and leveraging shared resources, DragonForce aims to consolidate power within the ransomware ecosystem.

This approach would allow affiliates to operate independently while benefiting from DragonForce's extensive network of storage, server monitoring, and decryption services. The strategy is designed to stabilize the ransomware "market," increase collective profits, and present a unified front – all hallmarks of a traditional crime syndicate.

**CISA CHANGES RANSOMWARE STATUSES WITHOUT NOTICE**

A researcher at GreyNoise has uncovered a concerning issue with CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. In 2025, 59 vulnerabilities had their ransomware status changed from "Unknown" to "Known" without public announcements. This left security teams unaware of evolving threats unless they monitored the catalog daily.

GreyNoise researcher Glenn Thorpe has developed an RSS feed to track updates and urges organizations to stay vigilant and reassess risks proactively. These silent updates highlight the need for better transparency as ransomware operators increasingly exploit remote code execution and authentication bypass flaws.

**TELECOMS AT HIGH RISK OF RANSOMWARE ATTACK, FCC WARNS**

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a warning to telecommunications companies, urging them to adopt stronger cybersecurity measures to combat the rising threat of ransomware attacks. The alert highlights vulnerabilities in U.S. communications networks that pose risks to national security, public safety, and business operations.

Over the past year, ransomware incidents targeting small to medium-sized telecom firms have disrupted services, exposed sensitive data, and locked providers out of critical systems. The FCC noted a fourfold global increase in ransomware attacks on telecom firms between 2022 and 2025.

**AI-DRIVEN AUTONOMOUS RANSOMWARE PIPELINES ON THE HORIZON**

A new report from Malwarebytes highlights key movements toward a hacking ecosystem increasingly dominated by AI. In 2025, cybercriminals began using AI to accelerate and enhance the effectiveness of their attacks.

AI-driven tools have enabled deepfake-based social engineering, vulnerability discovery, and autonomous ransomware attacks. While traditional hands-on-keyboard intrusions remain prevalent, 2025 saw the first confirmed AI-orchestrated attacks. Malwarebytes warns that this year could see the arrival of fully autonomous ransomware pipelines, enabling small groups to use AI to target multiple victims at unprecedented scales.

**EDITOR'S NOTE**

An editor used AI tools to aid in the generation of this news brief. Our expert editors always review and edit content before publishing. Phil Sweeney is an industry editor and writer focused on cybersecurity topics.