Ransomware now plays a role in nearly half of all breaches, new research finds

Verizon's 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report analyzed over 22,000 incidents and 12,195 confirmed breaches, finding ransomware present in 44% of incidents (notably 88% of breaches affecting small and medium businesses), a rise in victims refusing to pay (64%), and a decline in median ransom amounts to $115,000; the report also highlights credential abuse and vulnerability exploitation as primary initial access methods.