Ransomware Today: Learn More About AI-Powered Ransomware

ESET researchers uncovered PromptLock, a proof-of-concept ransomware that uses a generative AI model to dynamically create malicious scripts for scanning, encrypting or exfiltrating files, demonstrating how AI can make ransomware more adaptable and easier to develop. Learn how to protect your business from ransomware to minimize disruption and financial loss.

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The growing business threat of ransomware

How frequent are ransomware attacks?

Ransomware attacks are expected to hit governments, businesses and consumers 
every 2 seconds by 2031.

Source: Cybercrime Magazine: Top 10 Cybersecurity 
Predictions and Statistics For 2024

What role is
AI playing?

AI is increasing the volume and impact of ransomware attacks. Breakout time—the period from initial access to lateral movement—plunged from 48 minutes in 2024 to just 18 minutes as of mid-2025 due to AI and automation.

Source: Reliaquest, What's Trending: Top Cyber Attacker Techniques, June-August 2025

What's at stake for businesses?

Downtime and data loss can cause chaos and legal risk. In 2024, 94% of organizations said attackers tried to compromise their backups during a ransomware attack.

Source: SC World, Compromised backups send 
ransomware recovery costs soaring

ESET's multilayered ransomware defense

ESET PROTECT provides a multilayered approach to ransomware protection, covering every stage from prevention to recovery.

ESET’s comprehensive cybersecurity offering, including Ransomware Remediation, helps quickly recover and reduce the impact of even the most sophisticated ransomware attacks.

1

Prevent

Advanced threat detection

Uses cloud-based powered technology to identify and block ransomware threats in real time.

Next-gen endpoint protection

Secures all devices across major operating systems to reduce the attack surface.

Cloud app protection

Protects cloud-based collaboration tools like Microsoft 365 from ransomware and phishing infiltration.

2

Detect & Respond

Ransomware Shield

Detects and blocks processes that mimic ransomware behavior through behavioral analysis.

Automated response

Instantly isolates infected endpoints to prevent spread and limit impact.

Threat Intelligence feeds

Provides continuous updates on emerging ransomware variants.

3

Recover

Resilient recovery

Restores data using proprietary rollback technology that does not rely on Microsoft’s Volume Shadow Copy Service.

Smart backup storage

Secures impacted files efficiently while minimizing disk space usage.

Automated rollback

Restores affected files seamlessly from a secure local cache.

Fighting ransomware with MDR

ESET’s premium managed detection and response (MDR) services deliver continuous 24/7 expert monitoring, providing a powerful extra layer of protection without the need for in-house security teams. With an industry-leading 6-minute Mean Time to Respond (MTTR), ESET enables organizations to detect and stop even the most sophisticated ransomware attacks almost instantly.

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Resilience backed by awards

Award‑winning ransomware recovery you can trust

ESET Ransomware Remediation, part of the ESET PROTECT Platform, was honored with the 2025 SC Award for its unique approach to business continuity and ransomware recovery.

Unlike solutions that rely on Windows’ built-in backup systems, ESET creates secure, temporary backups in a protected environment. This allows businesses to restore encrypted files quickly, even after an attack. Combined with the Ransomware Shield, it delivers powerful detection, containment and recovery, all with minimal disruption.

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Choose an ESET PROTECT subscription plan

ESET PROTECT

Core

Solid protection for businesses that want to effectively prevent cyber threats across their devices without added complexity.
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  • Protection for AI conversations and agents Comprehensive protection of AI conversations and autonomous AI agents from threats in the AI ecosystem
  • Next-gen antivirus for computers, servers, mobiles and cloud VMs Protection against all forms of common cyber threats with the multilayered ESET LiveSense® technology applied
  • Firewall, web and device control Protect your business by securing network traffic, blocking risky websites, and controlling external devices to reduce cyber risk and prevent data loss
  • AI-powered threat analysis and real-time response Robust cloud-based deobfuscation, sandboxing and zero day protection service utilizing ESET LiveGuard® technology
  • Quantum-ready encryption Robust full disk encryption solution for system disks and partitions for entire devices to achieve legal compliance

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for

+ Add
  • Email, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace protection Additional layer of advanced threat, phishing and spam protection for Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, and email servers
  • Automated vulnerability discovery and system patching​ Streamline vulnerability scanning and automate patching for common operating systems and thousands of frequently used third-party applications
  • Secure access with multi-factor authentication Easy-to-use and effective cloud-based MFA service with robust integrations options and push-to-authenticate access methods
  • Integrated remote access for troubleshooting (Planned for Q1 2027) Secure and convenient troubleshooting tool to enable remote resolutions via the unified ESET PROTECT cloud console

RECOMMENDED

ESET PROTECT

Premium

Modern protection for businesses with 24/7 expert oversight, stopping threats before they cause disruption.
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For online purchase, please choose correct number of devices

Guided onboarding Live onboarding call with guidance from ESET experts for a fully activated security solution with MDR service in your business environment

$216.00
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Everything in Core, and:

  • 24/7 MDR with expert-led threat monitoring Continuous threat monitoring service combining the power of AI and human expertise to deliver round-the-clock supervision of your business environment
  • Superfast threat detection and containment Rapidly detecting and containing cyber threats before they spread, using a combination of human expertise and machine-speed automation to respond in as little as six minutes
  • Integrated remote access for troubleshooting (Planned for Q1 2027) Secure and convenient troubleshooting tool to enable remote resolutions via the unified ESET PROTECT cloud console
  • Cybersecurity AI assistant AI generated summaries and suggestions powered by ESET LiveAI through a natural language interface

Add Plus package

for

+ Add
  • Email, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace protection Additional layer of advanced threat, phishing and spam protection for Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, and email servers
  • Automated vulnerability discovery and system patching​ Streamline vulnerability scanning and automate patching for common operating systems and thousands of frequently used third-party applications
  • Secure access with multi-factor authentication Easy-to-use and effective cloud-based MFA service with robust integrations options and push-to-authenticate access methods
  • Immediate financial recovery via cyber warranty Cyber Warranty provides financial and operational assurance to cover initial remediation costs to return to normal operations as quickly as possible
  • Guided onboarding Live onboarding call with guidance from ESET experts for a fully activated security solution with MDR service in your business environment

ESET PROTECT

Ultimate

Proactive, expert-led protection for businesses that require priority support and dedicated end-to-end security assistance.
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Includes 99 devices
and security expert supervision

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Everything in Premium, and:

  • Full incident remediation service Complete incident remediation service beyond containment with expert advice for system adjustments and preventative security measures
  • Dedicated security expert Dedicated on-call security expert for immediate threat response with knowledge of your specific environment
  • Priority technical support with accelerated resolution Always on premium technical support with guaranteed response time, SLAs and direct access to developers
  • Full deployment service with health check Complete solution deployment and customization for your organization's environment with health check included

Add Plus package

for

+ Add
  • Email, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace protection Additional layer of advanced threat, phishing and spam protection for Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, and email servers
  • Automated vulnerability discovery and system patching​ Streamline vulnerability scanning and automate patching for common operating systems and thousands of frequently used third-party applications
  • Secure access with multi-factor authentication Easy-to-use and effective cloud-based MFA service with robust integrations options and push-to-authenticate access methods
  • Immediate financial recovery via cyber warranty Cyber Warranty provides financial and operational assurance to cover initial remediation costs to return to normal operations as quickly as possible
  • Cybersecurity awareness training Human risk management solution created by ESET experts with dedicated training portal and phishing simulation for employees

Need more than 99 devices covered?

Contact sales

Other options

Cybersecurity Awareness Training

Prevention-first education to ensure employees are the foundation of an organization’s digital security

Includes: ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training

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  • Effective training methods
  • Simulated phishing campaigns
  • Smart management and detailed reporting
  • Deep integration with various systems
  • Compliance with regulations


For online purchase, please choose correct number of devices

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Cloud App Protection

Advanced protection for cloud email, collaboration and storage, with proactive threat defense 

Includes: ESET Cloud Office Security

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  • Antimalware
  • Antispam
  • Antiphishing
  • Advanced Threat Defense
  • Cloud-based console
  • Exchange Online, OneDrive, Teams, SharePoint Online, Gmail, Google Drive protection


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Multi-Factor Authentication

Powerful multi-factor authentication for safe access to networks and data

Includes: ESET Secure Authentication

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  • Prevent data breaches
  • Meet compliance requirements
  • Use phone or hardware tokens
  • Secure VPNs, remote login, web apps and more
  • Cloud-based deployment


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Mail Server Security

Multilayered email protection with zero-day threat defense

Includes: ESET Mail Security

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  • Console
  • Advanced Threat Defense
  • Mail Server Security


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Security for Microsoft Sharepoint server

Advanced protection for SharePoint servers against malicious uploads and unwanted files

Includes: ESET Security for Microsoft SharePoint Server

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  • Ransomware protection
  • Data breaches prevention
  • Zero-day threats detection
  • Fileless attacks prevention
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Threat Intelligence

Threat Intelligence from ESET's world-renowned experts delivers in-depth feeds, APT reports, and eCrime reports. Get a unique perspective on the threat landscape and improve your cybersecurity posture.

Explore details

  • Detect Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)
  • Block suspicious domains
  • Prevent botnet attacks
  • Block Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)
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Why businesses trust ESET

30+

years of threat prevention expertise

10/10

Recognized by leading independent tests and industry analysts

24/7

real-time defense and strong local support

500k+

served business customers worldwide

11

R&D centers around the globe with world-class security analysts and threat researchers

Frequently asked questions

What is the best protection against ransomware?

A prevention-first, multilayered approach is most effective. This includes advanced threat detection, email filtering, secure backups, employee training and automated response. ESET delivers all of this in one integrated platform.

What does ransomware protection do?

Comprehensive protection should help prevent, detect and recover from ransomware attacks. ESET PROTECT offers an automated and effective solution to ransomware that detects suspicious behavior in real time, isolates infected systems and restores files from a secure cache.

What is ransomware rollback or remediation?

Rollback restores files from secure backups created before the attack. ESET uses its own unique proprietary technology and does not rely on the VSS (Volume Shadow Copy Service) feature provided in Microsoft Windows, which attackers often target.

What measures against ransomware help with corporate IT?

Key measures include advanced endpoint protection, network segmentation, backup validation and awareness training. ESET provides full coverage in all these areas.

How can I tell if our systems are infected with ransomware?

Ransomware often follows earlier attacks like phishing or credential theft. If attackers bypass defenses and deploy ransomware, victims typically lose access to their devices, files, and systems. Data is encrypted, and a ransom note appears on screen. ESET PROTECT provides proactive AI‑native protection that effectively prevents ransomware, phishing, zero-day threats and targeted attacks.

How can you help protect your organization from ransomware?

Use a multilayered, prevention-first approach: train employees, protect endpoints and data, and perform regular backups. This includes employee training, a robust next-gen endpoint and data protection and regular backups. ESET PROTECT helps you tackle ransomware with comprehensive protection packed in scalable subscription plans and MDR services.

How do organizations deal with ransomware attacks?

By focusing on prevention, investing in detection, testing recovery plans, and ensuring business continuity without paying a ransom. ESET PROTECT builds resilience with integrated prevention, detection, response, MDR services and threat intelligence.

HybridPetya​​​​​​​ is one example of ransomware that bypasses Secure Boot see how ESET research uncovered it.

Do companies use insurance for ransomware attacks?

Yes, cyber insurance is already becoming standard, even for small and medium businesses. To reduce the premiums, they implement adequate ransomware protection measures. ESET helps businesses comply with cyber insurance requirements and industry regulations.

Is Windows ransomware protection sufficient?

Windows Defender offers only basic protection. ESET PROTECT delivers advanced, multilayered defense, covering zero-day threats and securing Microsoft 365 apps.