Ransomware attacks across Asia-Pacific surged by 59% in 2025, according to the Cyber Incident Insights Report 2026 by S-RM and FGS Global, as reported by TechPinas. East and Southeast Asia recorded a 71% increase, the fastest growth globally.
The report warns that cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging AI to accelerate attacks, create personalized extortion tactics, and exploit vulnerabilities in AI-powered systems. This coincides with businesses' rapid AI adoption, widening the attack surface.
Experts note that modern ransomware incidents involve not just technical disruption but also weaponization of data privacy regulations and media pressure during negotiations. Organizations face unprecedented demands as attackers adapt to regulatory environments.