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In 2025, ransomware attacks have taken a sharp turn, and not for the better. We are no longer talking about random “spray and pray” attempts. What we are seeing now is deliberate, targeted, and devastating. It’s called ransomware whale hunting, and the whales?
This is no longer just an information technology (IT) problem, it is a business issue that should be discussed at the boardroom table.
What Exactly Is Whale Hunting?
Whale hunting is a strategy where cybercriminals go after large, high-value organizations. These aren’t small-time hackers looking for quick wins. These are well-organized groups targeting companies with deep pockets, and they are patient, precise, and professional in how they operate.
Ransomware attacks have jumped by over 100% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to last year. That’s not a typo. Over 2,000 known victims have already been hit, and that’s just what's been publicly disclosed.
Who’s Being Targeted?
Big player companies that are in the financial, health and Energy sectors are among the many who have already faced ransomware attacks this year. No industry is completely safe, but attackers seem to be focusing their energy on:
- Manufacturing & Industrial Operations – Operational downtime equals huge losses. That urgency makes them more likely to pay quickly.
- Consumer & Retail – Holding customer data hostage is a high-leverage move.
- Technology & IT Firms – These companies hold the keys to other businesses’ data, so hitting them causes a ripple effect.
So, What Can We Do About It?
You can’t prevent every attack, but you can reduce your exposure and limit the damage if (or when) it happens. Here are a few must-do strategies we’re focusing on:
- Build real-time visibility – Use threat intelligence tools that help spot anomalies before they become breaches.
- Keep your house in order – Patch vulnerabilities, clean up legacy systems, and tighten access control.
- Train your team like it matters – Because it does. One careless click on a phishing email can trigger a full-blown ransomware incident.
- Practice your incident response plan – It’s not enough to have one sitting in a folder. Run drills. Make it second nature.
- Backups, backups, backups – Offline, secure and operative. Restore time matters more than backup size when you’re under attack.
The Bigger Picture for Business Leaders
Ransomware is now a business risk, not just a tech problem. We are talking about millions in recovery costs, loss of revenue, regulatory fines, and reputational damage that can linger for years. Cybercrime is expected to cost the global economy over $57 billion this year alone, and ransomware is leading the charge.
If you're in leadership, now’s the time to ask the hard questions:
- Do we have visibility into our most critical assets?
- Are we truly ready to respond to a ransomware attack?
- How are we protecting the data our clients and partners trust us with?
The reality is this: cybercriminals are evolving, and so must we. As defenders, our job is to stay a step ahead, not just with technology, but with awareness, planning, and a culture that prioritises security at every level.
Let's stop thinking of ransomware as an "if" and start treating it as a "when" because that's the only way we stay ready.
We are a team of specialists who are experienced and knowledgeable in cybersecurity and digital technology. Should you require assistance, please feel free to reach out to our key contacts.
Contributors:
Boikokobetso Makhetloane, IT & Security Manager
Lebogang Khunou, Director, Risk Advisory Services
