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KnowBe4 Underlines the Importance of Social Engineering in Ransomware Crime

In light of the escalating number of ransomware attacks, cybersecurity platform KnowBe4 is drawing attention to the significant impact social engineering has on these security threats.

Critical Insights on Ransomware

During the month of July, designated as Ransomware Awareness Month, KnowBe4 is urging organizations to evaluate how human error contributes to their vulnerability to ransomware. Recent research reveals a staggering 57.7% increase in ransomware payloads delivered through phishing attacks from November 2024 to February 2025. This rise highlights the importance of understanding the methods malicious actors use to exploit human weaknesses to infiltrate organizations, particularly through deceptive emails.

Industry experts estimate that damages from ransomware attacks could soar to $275 billion annually by 2031. Further supporting this grim forecast, the 2025 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report found that ransomware was involved in 44% of breaches, a significant increase from 31% the previous year.

Five Essential Strategies to Combat Ransomware

To bolster defenses against such threats, KnowBe4 proposes five key strategies that organizations can implement:

1. Tailor Cybersecurity Training by Role: Organizations should offer specific cybersecurity training tailored to different departmental needs. Custom training helps employees understand the unique risks faced by their roles and how they can mitigate them.

2. Run Realistic Phishing Simulations: Implementing simulations that reflect real-world phishing scenarios enables employees to practice identifying and responding to potential threats effectively.

3. Promote a No-Blame Reporting Culture: Fostering an environment where team members feel confident to report suspicious activities can lead to quicker responses and limit damage from any potential breaches.

4. Keep Ransomware Awareness Front and Center: Continuous reminders and communications about ransomware threats can help maintain a vigilant mindset among the workforce.

5. Utilize Advanced Anti-Phishing Technology: Leverage sophisticated tools powered by AI and machine learning to detect and prevent phishing attacks, including those that attempt to deploy ransomware.

The Call to Action

Roger Grimes, a data-driven defense evangelist at KnowBe4, emphasizes that every successful ransomware attack starts with social engineering. As phishing attacks remain the most common vector for these incidents, organizations must prioritize reducing human risk. Grimes asserts, "For this Ransomware Awareness Month, it’s essential that every organization acknowledges that their workforce is their biggest asset in defending against ransomware."

KnowBe4’s Mission

KnowBe4 is dedicated to empowering organizations to make informed security decisions daily. With over 70,000 clients worldwide, KnowBe4 equips businesses with tools designed to enhance their security culture and manage human risk effectively, transforming employees from the primary vulnerability to the organization's greatest asset. Their HRM+ platform includes a comprehensive suite of modules focused on awareness training, compliance, and security solutions tailored to combat the latest cybersecurity threats.

For more insights, visit KnowBe4.