Ransomware on Social Media in 2025

Ransomware on Social Media in 2025

Ransomware on Social Media in 2025

Deepfakes & Ransomware?

As a team of  trusted cybersecurity consultants with extensive experience working with many Australian small businesses, we’ve gathered valuable insights and advice to help our customers protect their digital assets from ransomware threats on social media.

Are deepfakes the next big ransomware threat? They’re just one of the dangers facing businesses on social media in 2025. Our latest blog post explores these evolving threats and how to protect your data.

Social media remains essential for small businesses in 2025, but it continues to present significant cybersecurity risks, including the spread of ransomware. Ransomware encrypts a victim’s data, demanding a ransom for its release. Understanding how ransomware spreads via social media and how to protect your business in 2025 is crucial. This guide incorporates the latest trends and information.

Methods of Spread (Evolving Tactics in 2025):

• Malicious Links and Attachments: Cybercriminals still use this method, but they are becoming even more sophisticated. Links may be disguised using URL shorteners, appear to come from legitimate services, or be embedded within seemingly harmless QR codes. Attachments might be disguised as invoices, PDFs, images, or even short video clips. Attackers are also leveraging more sophisticated obfuscation techniques to bypass security scanners.
  • Example: A seemingly harmless link in a direct message promising a “free gift” or a personalized QR code in a post offering a discount.

• Social Engineering and Phishing: Attackers are increasingly using AI-powered tools, including generative AI, to create highly convincing and personalized phishing messages. They may impersonate not just friends or brands, but also colleagues, suppliers, local community groups, or even family members. Deepfakes (manipulated videos or audio) are also a growing concern, becoming more realistic and harder to detect.
  • Example: A highly realistic deepfake video of your CEO asking employees to click a link or a message from a “colleague” urgently requesting access credentials, tailored to your specific company’s context.

• Compromised Accounts: Account takeover remains a significant problem in 2025. Attackers may use stolen credentials (obtained through phishing or data breaches), exploit vulnerabilities in social media platforms, or bypass MFA through increasingly sophisticated techniques like adversary-in-the-middle attacks.
  • Example: A compromised business account posting malicious links to followers or sending direct messages to clients, potentially tailored to exploit trust relationships.

• Third-Party App and Add-on Vulnerabilities: While less common than other methods, vulnerabilities in third-party apps connected to social media can still be exploited in 2025. Supply chain attacks, where vulnerabilities are introduced into trusted software, are also a growing concern. Always carefully review permissions before granting access.
  • Example: A compromised social media analytics tool that allows attackers to inject malicious code or access sensitive data.

• New and Emerging Threats in 2025:
  • AI-Powered Disinformation Campaigns: Ransomware distributors may use social media to spread AI-generated disinformation and create chaos before or during an attack, making it harder for victims to respond effectively and potentially manipulating public opinion.
  • Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) Evolution: This model continues to evolve, with RaaS providers offering more sophisticated tools and services, including AI-powered attack automation and data exfiltration capabilities. Social media can be used to recruit affiliates or distribute the ransomware.
  • Data Extortion and Public Shaming: Attackers may not just encrypt data but also threaten to leak it publicly if a ransom is not paid. Social media is increasingly used to amplify this threat, with attackers potentially creating fake accounts or using targeted advertising to publicize stolen data.
  • Targeting the Metaverse and Emerging Platforms: As social interaction expands into new platforms like the metaverse, attackers are exploring new avenues for spreading ransomware and targeting users.

Protection Strategies (Updated and Enhanced for 2025):

• Employee Education and Awareness: Regular, interactive training is crucial. Focus on the latest phishing tactics, including AI-generated deepfakes, sophisticated QR code phishing, and emerging threats in the metaverse. Emphasize the importance of verifying requests, even from known contacts, through alternative communication channels. Simulated phishing and social engineering exercises, tailored to 2025’s threat landscape, can be very effective.

• Strong Security Practices:
  • MFA Everywhere (and Beyond): Implement MFA on all social media accounts and other business systems. Explore phishing-resistant MFA methods like hardware security keys or biometric authentication. Consider passwordless authentication where possible.
  • Proactive Threat Hunting: Regularly scan your social media presence and connected systems for signs of compromise. Use threat intelligence feeds to stay informed about the latest attack techniques.
  • Regular Security Audits and Penetration Testing: Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing, including social engineering tests, to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in your defenses.

• Limit Access and Permissions: Implement the principle of least privilege. Only grant employees access to the social media accounts and tools they absolutely need. Regularly review and revoke access.

• Data Backup and Recovery: Regular, automated, and immutable backups are essential. Ensure backups are stored securely offline or in a separate, isolated cloud environment. Test your recovery process regularly.

• Endpoint and Network Security: Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on all devices. Ensure it’s up to date and includes real-time protection. Consider endpoint detection and response (EDR) and extended detection and response (XDR) solutions for advanced threat detection and response. Implement robust network security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and network segmentation.

• Incident Response Plan: Develop a comprehensive incident response plan that outlines how to handle a ransomware attack or other security incident in 2025. This plan should include procedures for communication, data recovery, law enforcement notification, and public relations.

• Cybersecurity Insurance: Consider purchasing or reviewing your cybersecurity insurance to ensure it covers the evolving threats of 2025, including data extortion and attacks targeting new platforms.

• Zero Trust Security: Continue to implement and refine a Zero Trust approach.

By staying informed about the latest ransomware threats in 2025 and implementing these enhanced security measures, small business owners can significantly reduce their risk. Vigilance, a proactive approach, and continuous adaptation are key to protecting your business in the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

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Ransomware on Social Media in 2025

Deepfakes & Ransomware: Social Media Threats in 2025