Ransomware in 2030: What the Next Five Years Will Bring and How to Prepare
As cyber threats continue to adapt to new technologies and societal shifts, ransomware is expected to remain a dominant and highly disruptive force well into 2030. While defences are improving, attackers are also advancing—leveraging automation, geopolitical unrest, and emerging technologies to stay ahead of traditional security measures.
At Barrier Networks, our role is to help organisations look beyond the threats of today and prepare for the landscape of tomorrow. In this article, we forecast how ransomware is likely to evolve by 2030, explore its potential impacts on UK organisations, and share how your business can build a forward-looking cybersecurity strategy.
Ransomware in 2030 Predictions:
Surge in Data Destruction Attacks
By 2030, we expect a significant shift from pure encryption to destructive ransomware. Instead of holding data for ransom, attackers may opt to delete or permanently corrupt it to exert pressure—especially in high-value sectors such as healthcare, legal, and critical infrastructure.
Rise of Fully Autonomous Ransomware
Attackers will increasingly rely on AI to fully automate the ransomware lifecycle—from initial reconnaissance and access through to encryption, negotiation, and extortion. This will reduce dwell time from days to minutes, limiting the effectiveness of traditional detection and response.
Extortion Without Encryption
We predict that by 2030, a large share of ransomware attacks will skip encryption entirely. Instead, threat actors will exfiltrate sensitive data and focus solely on blackmail, reputational damage, and regulatory fines to pressure victims.
Cloud and SaaS Ransomware
With hybrid and remote working now the norm, ransomware will increasingly target cloud-based platforms such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and CRM systems. These platforms will be attacked via OAuth abuse, compromised identities, and unmonitored API endpoints.
How UK Organisations Should Prepare
1. Plan for Data Destruction, Not Just Encryption
Ensure backups are tested and verified regularly. Consider adopting decentralised, tamper-resistant storage systems and cloud backup redundancy.
2. Invest in Behavioural Analytics and AI-Driven Detection
Automated threats will require automated responses. Behavioural baselining, anomaly detection, and real-time AI threat analysis will be essential.
3. Protect SaaS and Cloud Environments
Secure identity and access management (IAM), multifactor authentication (MFA), and continuous monitoring of cloud and SaaS platforms will be critical.
4. Prepare for Reputational and Regulatory Risks
As more attacks focus on extortion without encryption, businesses must develop crisis communication plans, legal response frameworks, and regulatory notification workflows.
How Barrier Networks Can Support Your 2030 Strategy
Future-Focused Cyber Defence
Our UK-based Security Operations Centre provides 24/7 threat detection using the latest behavioural analytics, AI, and threat intelligence to stop ransomware before it spreads.
Cloud and SaaS Security Expertise
We help organisations secure their cloud platforms and SaaS environments with advanced monitoring, IAM strategy, zero trust principles, and continuous compliance management.
Crisis Management and Regulatory Readiness
From tabletop exercises to real-time breach support, we prepare your organisation for data extortion scenarios through crisis simulations, PR coordination, and regulatory guidance.
The ransomware threat of 2030 starts with preparation in 2025.
Contact Barrier Networks today to future-proof your cybersecurity strategy.
www.barriernetworks.com