2025 State of Ransomware in Retail | JK Tech
Ransomware in Retail: 2025 Study Overview
Sophos’ newest report examines the ransomware challenges retail businesses are facing today. Based on insights from 361 IT and cybersecurity leaders, the survey tracks the evolution of attacks, explores root causes, and reveals the human impact on retail IT teams.
Why Retailers Remain Vulnerable to Ransomware
Retail organizations continue to be exposed to ransomware due to:
Key Features
- Exploited vulnerabilities – the leading technical cause for the third year (30% of incidents).
- Unknown security gaps – cited by 46% of retailers.
- Lack of expertise – identified in 45% of cases, the highest rate across industries.
These findings underline the importance of robust patch management, continuous monitoring, and specialized cybersecurity training.
Ransomware Encryption Drops, Extortion Attacks Rise
The proportion of ransomware attacks resulting in encryption has fallen to its lowest point in five years: :
- 48% in 2025 (down from 71% in 2023).
- More attacks were stopped before encryption, showing stronger defenses.
- Extortion-only attacks (no encryption, but ransom still demanded) tripled from 2% in 2023 to 6% in 2025.
Data Recovery: Shift from Backups to Ransom Payments
Recovery strategies are changing:
- 58% of retailers paid ransom in 2025, almost double the 32% seen in 2021.
- Backup usage is at a four-year low, though still slightly more common than ransom payments.
- Retailers are increasingly relying on multiple or alternative recovery methods.
Ransom Demands Surge, But Retailers Push Back
Sophos’ newest report examines the ransomware challenges retail businesses are facing today. Based on insights from 361 IT and cybersecurity leaders, the survey tracks the evolution of attacks, explores root causes, and reveals the human impact on retail IT teams.
The Human Toll on Retail IT & Cybersecurity Teams
Beyond financial loss, ransomware creates major stress within IT and security departments:
- 47% face increased pressure from senior management.
- 43% report anxiety about future attacks.
- 37% experience stress-related absences.
- 34% feel guilty for not stopping the attack.
This highlights the urgent need for mental health support, team resilience training, and executive awareness programs.
About the Survey
This report is based on an independent, vendor-neutral survey of 3,400 IT and cybersecurity leaders across 17 countries. Conducted by Vanson Bourne between January and March 2025, it includes insights from 361 retail organizations employing between 100 and 5,000 staff.
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Further Reading & Resources
https://news.sophos.com/en-us/2025/08/19/the-state-of-ransomware-in-retail-2025/ – Sophos Newsroom
Published by JK Tech – Official Sophos Partner in Singapore
Source: Sophos Limited | Original Author: Rajan Santhora
