RaaS (Ransomware-as-a-Service): Understanding and Defending Against the New Threat Model

Article Courtesy of StoredTech's Network of Experts

By Sonu Vinod Mehta

Sonu has 8+ years of experience as an information security professional with a proven track record in governance, risk & compliance and IT audits.

What you don’t spend on protection, cybercriminals will spend on your downfall.

In recent years, cyber threats have evolved rapidly, with Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) emerging as a particularly concerning trend. This model allows cybercriminals to lease ransomware tools, lowering the barrier to entry for malicious actors and increasing the frequency and sophistication of attacks. Understanding and defending against this threat is crucial for businesses of all sizes.

What is Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)?

Ransomware-as-a-Service is a business model where experienced cybercriminals develop ransomware and lease it to affiliates. These affiliates, who may lack technical expertise, use the ransomware to execute attacks. Profits from successful extortions are then shared between the developers and the affiliates. This model has democratized cybercrime, making it accessible to a broader range of individuals and leading to a surge in ransomware incidents.

Recent Developments in RaaS

In February 2025, several significant events have highlighted the growing threat of RaaS:

LockBit's Resurgence:

After a period of inactivity following law enforcement actions, the notorious LockBit ransomware gang announced plans to relaunch with a new version, LockBit 4.0, in February 2025. This move underscores the resilience and adaptability of RaaS operators.

International Sanctions:

The United States, United Kingdom, and Australia jointly sanctioned Zservers, a Russian web-hosting service provider, for supporting the LockBit syndicate. This coordinated action reflects a global effort to disrupt the infrastructure enabling RaaS operations.

Emergence of New Threats:

The FBI issued warnings about a ransomware group named "Ghost," active since 2021 and now considered a top threat. Unlike traditional ransomware that relies on phishing, Ghost exploits unpatched software vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for timely system updates.

The Impact on Businesses

The rise of RaaS has profound implications for businesses:

• Increased Attack Frequency: With RaaS lowering the technical barriers, more cybercriminals can launch ransomware attacks, leading to a higher frequency of incidents.
• Target Diversity: No sector is immune. Critical infrastructure, healthcare, education, and small to medium-sized enterprises have all been targeted, often due to perceived vulnerabilities.
• Financial and Reputational Damage: Beyond the immediate financial losses from ransom payments, businesses face operational disruptions, data loss, and long-term reputational harm.

Defending Against RaaS Threats

To protect against the evolving RaaS landscape, businesses should adopt a multi-faceted cybersecurity strategy:

• Regular Backups: Maintain offline backups of critical data to ensure recovery without paying a ransom.
• Timely Updates: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities that ransomware groups might exploit.
• Employee Training: Educate staff about phishing tactics and safe online practices to reduce the risk of malware infiltration.
• Advanced Security Solutions: Implement comprehensive security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protection.
• Access Controls: Restrict user permissions to limit the spread of ransomware within the organization.
• Incident Response Plan: Develop and regularly update a response plan to ensure swift action during an attack, minimizing damage and recovery time.

Cybercriminals are already spending on RaaS. The question is, are you spending on security?

StoredTech’s Commitment to Cybersecurity

At StoredTech, we understand that the modern cyber threat landscape—especially with the rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service—demands more than just off-the-shelf security solutions. That’s why we take a proactive, layered approach to protecting businesses from ransomware attacks.

Here’s how we help safeguard your organization:

24/7 Managed Security Monitoring

Our Security Operations Center (SOC) continuously monitors your network for suspicious activity, detecting and responding to threats in real time before they can cause harm.

Advanced Endpoint Protection

We deploy AI-powered endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions that block ransomware before it can encrypt your data.

Zero Trust Security Framework

Our IT security experts implement a Zero Trust model—ensuring strict access controls, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and continuous monitoring to prevent unauthorized access.

Automated Patch Management

We ensure your software, operating systems, and critical applications are always up to date with automated patching to close security loopholes before attackers exploit them.

Secure Backup & Disaster Recovery:

We provide cloud-based and on-premises backup solutions with immutable storage, ensuring that even if ransomware strikes, your business can recover without paying a ransom.

Employee Security Awareness Training:

We offer interactive, scenario-based cybersecurity training programs to help your employees recognize phishing attempts and other ransomware tactics before they become a problem.

With StoredTech, you don’t just get IT services—you get a cybersecurity partner dedicated to keeping your business secure in an increasingly hostile digital world. Whether you need comprehensive managed security services, compliance solutions, or disaster recovery planning, we ensure you’re always one step ahead of cybercriminals.

Conclusion

The RaaS model has transformed the cyber threat landscape, making ransomware attacks more accessible and prevalent. However, with awareness and proactive measures, businesses can defend against these threats. StoredTech is here to support you in navigating this complex environment, providing the expertise and solutions necessary to protect your organization in 2025 and beyond.

Talk to an IT Expert About Securing Your Business!