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Ransomware Payments Decline Dramatically Among UK Firms

A Shift in Strategy

In a compelling new report from Databarracks titled "Data Health Check 2025," it has been revealed that ransomware is losing its influence over UK organizations. Only 17% of businesses that encountered ransomware attacks in the past year opted to pay the ransom, a notable drop from the previous year's 27%, and a staggering fall from 44% in 2023. Instead, a robust 57% have successfully recovered their data from backups, marking a significant transformation in how organizations confront these cyber threats. This shift points to a more resilient mindset among IT leaders as they adapt to the evolving landscape of cybercrime.

Better Backup Practices: The Key to Resilience

One of the core reasons driving this substantial change lies in the advancements in backup strategies. The report highlights that 72% of organizations now utilize air-gapped backups, which are disconnected from the network when not in use, adding a layer of security against ransomware attacks. Furthermore, 59% have adopted immutable backups, ensuring that once data is written, it cannot be altered or deleted, providing an extra layer of protection. This institutionalization of robust backup practices signifies a crucial shift in risk management strategies — organizations are proactively securing themselves against potential threats and developing contingency plans that prioritize data integrity and availability.

Government Policy Influences Organizational Behavior

Adding to the momentum of this change is the UK Government's newly implemented ransomware policy, which reinforces a no-ransom payment stance for public sector entities and Critical National Infrastructure operators. This bold move, requiring mandatory reporting and prior notification for private sector companies, has further emboldened organizations to rethink their approaches. James Watts, Managing Director at Databarracks, stated, "The government's new stance is bold – but the data shows the direction of travel was already clear." This indicates that the government's efforts merely formalize a growing trend among businesses to eschew ransom payments in favor of more strategic recovery solutions.

The Rise of No-Pay Policies

The report also uncovers an increase in organizations establishing formal policies against ransom payments. Approximately 24% of participants claimed to have a policy that prohibits paying ransoms, which reflects a doubling of this figure compared to 2023. This strategic pivot highlights a shifting mentality; rather than viewing ransom payment as an unfortunate necessity, companies are increasingly recognizing recovery as a viable and effective strategy.

Recovery as a Strategy Rather Than a Last Resort

In light of these trends, it is illuminating to note that improving backup processes has become the top priority for IT resilience among UK businesses, surpassing both continuity planning and recovery testing. Watts stressed the importance of preparation, stating, "Recovery isn't a last resort – it's a strategy. The organizations that plan and rehearse their recoveries are the ones that come through an attack strongest. That's how you beat ransomware — not by paying, but by preparing to recover."

Looking Forward

As organizations engage in fortifying their defenses against ransomware, the insight gleaned from the Data Health Check 2025 serves as a roadmap for the evolving landscape of cyber resilience. Companies are no longer held hostage to the whims of cybercriminals; they are reclaiming their autonomy through strategic planning and robust backup mechanisms. As these changes unfold, we can expect a continued decline in ransom payments alongside an increased commitment to data recovery strategies. To gain more insights, interested parties can download the full report at Databarracks and explore its highlights at Data Health Check.

Conclusion

The fight against ransomware is not merely a technical battle; it is an evolving strategy requiring constant adaptation and foresight. With the shifting tides in organizational sentiment and practical responses to cyber threats, the outlook for ransomware confrontations in the UK appears brighter than ever. Businesses must remain vigilant, prioritize solid backup practices, and continue to share knowledge and strategies to foster robust protections against ransomware and similar threats.