Why Ransomware Payouts Are Skyrocketing in 2025

The Crisis Nobody Talks About Until It's Too Late

Why Ransomware Payouts Are Skyrocketing in 2025 (and What Smart Austin Businesses Are Doing About It)Ransomware isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a billion-dollar business, and 2025 is shaping up to be its most lucrative year yet. But the most alarming part? It’s not Fortune 500s getting hit. It’s nonprofits. Schools. Healthcare providers. Local businesses. Organizations with purpose—but limited protection.

The Stakes: You Can’t Afford to Be Unprepared

In 2023, ransom payments nearly doubled to $1.1B. This year, the average payout sits at $2M. And yet, most victims still walk right into the trap.

Why?

Because they didn’t patch that outdated server.
Because their backups weren’t tested.
Because they thought, “We’re too small to be targeted.”
And by the time they realize the cost of inaction, they’re locked out—literally.

CTTS: The Trusted Cyber Guide for Austin and Beyond

At CTTS, we’ve seen too many Central Texas nonprofits and businesses hit hard by ransomware. But we’ve also helped many recover—without paying a cent. Our Cyber Fit Assessment is designed to spot the gaps before cybercriminals do.

3 Non-Negotiables for Ransomware Readiness

1. Bulletproof Your Backups

Backups aren’t just about storage—they’re about survival. We deploy encrypted, off-site backups across workstations, servers, and Microsoft 365. They’re automated. They’re tested. They work.

2. Stop Phishing at the Gate

Phishing accounts for over 40% of ransomware attacks. That’s why default email settings just don’t cut it anymore. Our Microsoft 365 Protection includes real-time filtering, impersonation protection, and AI-based threat analysis.

3. Watch Every Endpoint

Modern ransomware hides in plain sight, often using legitimate tools to spread. Our Managed Detection & Response (MDR) platform monitors your network 24/7 and alerts us to anomalies before they become incidents.

Book Your Free Strategy Session

If your nonprofit or business operates in Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, or anywhere in Central Texas—don’t gamble your mission on hope.

Schedule a free Cyber Fit Strategy Session with CTTS today. Let’s close the gaps before criminals find them.

Schedule Your Strategy Session »


FAQs About Ransomware

Q1: If we’re a small nonprofit, are we really a target?
Yes. In 2024, 66% of nonprofits were hit with ransomware. Data-rich, under-secured organizations are prime targets.

Q2: Isn’t it easier just to pay the ransom?
In the short term? Maybe. But 80% of those who pay are targeted again. Paying doesn’t solve the problem—it funds the next one.

Q3: What’s the first thing we should do?
Start with a Cyber Fit Assessment from CTTS. It’s a risk-free way to uncover weaknesses before attackers do.


Contact CTTS today for IT support and managed services in Austin, TX. Let us handle your IT so you can focus on growing your business. Visit CTTSonline.com or call us at (512) 388-5559 to get started!