Why Unsophisticated Hackers Still Successfully Attack Thousands of People

Ransom Security
May 22
9 min read

Nowadays, you don’t need to be a tech expert to launch a ransomware attack. By 2025, if you have $300 and are willing to break the law, you can simply rent an ‘attack kit.’ It contains everything you need: support, an easy-to-use dashboard, and a built-in payment system.

Quick Answer

Because they don’t need skill anymore — they rent it.

Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) has transformed hacking into a subscription-based business. Low-skilled attackers rent pre-packaged malware, target thousands of people via phishing emails, and profit from the small fraction of individuals who click on those emails. The math is stark: send 10,000 emails, and you will find 300 victims. This is precisely why ransomware attacks continue to rise despite improvements in security measures.

In this article

For a long time, whenever people heard the word “hacker,” it conjured up an image of a genius sitting in a darkened room, crafting sophisticated code entirely from scratch. However, this perception is no longer accurate. Nowadays, the majority of attacks launched against businesses and the general public each month do not originate from tech wizards. Instead, these attackers are typically not particularly skilled; they simply utilize hacking tools created by others — tools that perform their intended function remarkably well.

The Skill Gap No Longer Exists

Ransomware-as-a-Service has completely changed the game of cybercrime. Now, to execute an attack, you no longer need to be a tech wizard; someone else handles the arduous task of building the tools.

Back in 2016, you truly needed to know your craft inside out. You had to write your own encryption code, set up servers to control infected machines, figure out how to collect payments via cryptocurrency, and constantly update your malware so that security programs wouldn’t detect you. Nowadays, the story is entirely different. Anyone harboring a grudge — and possessing a bit of spare cash — can simply sign up, select a target, and launch an attack. All the hard work has already been done.

The Scale of the Problem

In 2025, Cybersecurity threat intelligence reported 124 active ransomware groups operating simultaneously, a record number. Out of those, 73 were brand new, jumping into the cybercrime scene that year. Ransomware attacks shot up by 47%, with over 7,200 cases reported publicly. Most of these attacks came from low-skilled affiliates using RaaS platforms.

124 active ransomware groups tracked in 2025 — a record

+47% surge in ransomware attacks in 2025 vs 2024

+149% increase in US ransomware incidents in January 2025 alone

What Is Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)?

Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) is a cybercrime business model in which hackers provide ransomware tools to other criminals for use. It functions exactly like a software subscription service, but its purpose is illegal.

How the RaaS Business Model Works

Developer

Creates and rents out ransomware platforms

→ 🛒 Dark Web Marketplace: Displays tiers, pricing, and support options

→ 🎯 Attacker: Rents ransomware and launches attacks

Attacker keeps ~70%of each ransom payment collected

Developer takes ~30%for maintaining the platform and malware

Leading RaaS groups like Qilin — the most prolific group in 2025 with 1,066 recorded attacks — operate what are essentially franchises. They recruit affiliates, provide training materials, run multilingual support desks for victims, and even issue press releases. Akira, another major RaaS group, claimed 947 cases in 2025, a 125% increase from the prior year.

Key Insight

RaaS platforms market themselves on Dark Web forums in the same way that legitimate SaaS companies do online. Some even promise things like “no ransom, no fee.”

How a RaaS Attack Works — Step by Step

If you break down the attack chain, you can pinpoint exactly where things go wrong from a defensive standpoint:

1: Sign Up on a RaaS Dark Web Platform: First, an attacker visits a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) platform. They use cryptocurrency to maintain anonymity, browse through an extensive list of ransomware variants, and select a subscription plan. Some sites attempt to weed out law enforcement agencies by conducting fake interviews; however, truth be told, most don’t bother, anyone can join.

2: Gain Access to Victims, Buy, Steal, or Simply Find: Next, they purchase a bundle of stolen emails and passwords from Initial Access Brokers, or pay for remote access to companies that have already been compromised. There is no need for them to go through the trouble of phishing or hacking targets themselves; all the heavy lifting has already been done for them.

3: The Attack Begins: Phishing or Direct Intrusion: Leveraging the platform’s built-in toolkits, they either dispatch mass phishing emails or log directly into the victim’s network using the stolen credentials. The platform handles all the technical steps; the attacker simply needs to select their intended targets.

4: Ransomware Runs on Autopilot: The moment someone clicks on a malicious link or the attacker successfully finds an entry point, the ransomware launches and begins encrypting files. The victims receive a ransom note. Encryption, decryption keys, all of this is managed by the RaaS platform in the background.

5: Negotiation and Payment — Everything Is Handled for Them: The attacker simply logs into a dashboard to monitor negotiations, set their ransom price, and track payments. The platform collects the funds, issues decryption keys upon payment, and even provides “customer support” for the victims. The RaaS developer’s share is deducted on the spot.

5 Methods Unsophisticated Hackers Use Most

Low-skilled attackers do not attempt to be overly creative. They stick to methods that work, and they prioritize quantity over quality.

1: Most Common Phishing Emails: This is a tried-and-true method. Attackers flood inboxes with emails containing suspicious links or attachments. They may impersonate anyone, your bank, your delivery service, or even someone you know personally. In the past, you could identify them by their poor grammar. However, in 2025, this has changed. AI has begun generating flawless, perfectly crafted messages, and frankly, even trained employees now fall for them.

2: Very Common Stolen / Weak Passwords (Credential Stuffing): If login credentials are leaked anywhere, attackers harvest them from the dark web and deploy bots to test those credentials across various platforms — such as business email accounts, VPNs, and remote desktops. If your password happens to be included in one of those massive data dumps, it is highly probable that someone has already attempted to use it to access your account.

3: Very Common Unpatched Software Vulnerabilities: Hackers love legacy systems. Using automated scanners, they scour the entire internet for vulnerable software versions. If you have neglected to install a critical patch for six months, they will inevitably find you. The WannaCry attack in 2017 infected over 200,000 systems simply because users had failed to apply a patch that had been released just two months earlier.

4: Common Exposed RDP Ports: The Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is highly useful for logging into office computers remotely; however, if you leave an RDP port exposed online, without implementing multi-factor authentication, it essentially amounts to an open invitation for attackers. Attackers scan for such ports and gain unauthorized access through brute-force attacks. RDP remains one of the most favored entry points for ransomware, particularly within small businesses.

5: Growing Malicious QR Codes & Fake Websites: This tactic is currently on the rise. Attackers place QR codes in public areas — such as parking meters, cafes, and offices — or distribute them via email. When you scan them, the result is bad news: you are redirected to a fake login page, or malware is downloaded onto your device. Security tools often overlook QR code links, making this method increasingly effective in today’s landscape.

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WannaCry: When Unsophisticated Spread Globally

The most instructive example of low-complexity, high-impact ransomware is WannaCry — still one of the largest cyberattacks in history.

Case Study — WannaCry, May 2017

The WannaCry ransomware attack struck with great speed and force, sending shockwaves across the globe. On May 12, 2017, this worm infected over 200,000 computers across more than 150 countries. The UK’s National Health Service suffered the most severe impact, some ambulances were forced to divert patients to other hospitals because their systems had ground to a halt.

WannaCry did not demonstrate that hackers are brilliant geniuses. Instead, it reminded everyone just how slow defenders can be. All they need is for you to delay a basic software update, even for a short while. That is all they require.

“Most successful ransomware attacks do not exploit cutting-edge vulnerabilities. They exploit the gap between when a patch is released and when organizations apply it.”

— CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency)

Why Small Businesses Are Their Favorite Targets

Large companies have entire security teams, excellent EDR tools, 24/7 monitoring, and contracts with experts who are ready to respond immediately if something goes wrong. Small businesses typically have none of these.

By 2025, the majority of ransomware attacks will be on small and medium-sized businesses. Here’s why attackers choose them:

No dedicated IT security staff: If you’re a business owner handling your own IT, you’re probably not tracking threats in real time. Hackers can poke around inside your network for days — sometimes longer — before anyone even notices.

Unpatched software systems: When there’s no IT team, updates slip through the cracks. That’s a huge problem. Automated tools pick up on unpatched systems almost instantly, and as soon as a new vulnerability goes public, you’re on the attackers’ radar within hours.

No tested backup systems: A lot of small businesses either skip backups entirely or never test them. So when ransomware strikes, you’re stuck. Paying seems easier because restoring from backup just isn’t an option.

More likely to pay quickly: Downtime hits small businesses hard, way more than it does big companies. Hackers know this. A ransom in the $5,000–$15,000 range feels more like a quick fix than losing days or weeks to cleanup. That’s why they target you.

Less likely to report attacks: Nobody wants their customers to hear they got hacked. Small businesses usually pay and move on. They won’t tell law enforcement, so criminals just keep doing it.

Supply chain entry points: Small businesses often connect to larger companies as vendors, suppliers, or IT support. Attacking you might just be a stepping stone for hackers aiming at your biggest client.

How AI Is Making Low-Skill Hackers More Dangerous

If RaaS removed the technical skill barrier, AI is now removing the social skill barrier. Previously, crafting a convincing phishing email required a strong command of the written word. But that is now a thing of the past. Not anymore.

2025 Threat Update

AI has leveled the playing field for new attackers.

AI-generated phishing emails — AI-generated phishing emails are now a completely different breed. Their grammar is flawless, their tone is pitch-perfect, and — thanks to personal details scraped from your social media — they appear entirely authentic.

AI voice cloning for social engineering — Simply feed the system a 30-second audio clip of your CEO’s voice — perhaps from a YouTube video — and attackers can call employees sounding exactly like the boss, demanding immediate money transfers or login credentials. This would probably deceive even the most vigilant individuals.

Automated vulnerability scanning — AI-powered scanners constantly scour the internet, searching for vulnerable systems, open ports, and misconfigurations. The moment a new software bug is disclosed, these tools can identify potential targets within minutes.

Victim profiling at scale — AI sifts through company websites, LinkedIn profiles, and even SEC filings to gather comprehensive intelligence: who works where, what technologies they use, and the financial flows within the organization. By the time attackers make contact, they are already fully informed.

This is why ransomware attacks in January 2025 increased 149% year-over-year in the United States alone. The attacker profile has not changed — what changed is how much more effective each attacker has become.

What Stops Unsophisticated Hackers Cold

Here is the important counterpoint: unsophisticated hackers are stopped by basic, well-implemented defenses. They rely entirely on finding the easy path. Remove the easy path, and they move on to the next target. You do not need to be unhackable — you just need to be harder than the organization next door.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) — the single biggest control
Email authentication — DMARC, DKIM, and SPF
Patch software within 72 hours of critical updates
Tested offline / immutable backups
Close exposed RDP ports / use VPN instead
Employee phishing simulation training
Network segmentation

Bottom Line

The real threat posed by low-skilled hackers stems from their ability to automate attacks and rapidly strike multiple targets simultaneously. The fact is that certain basic security habits, such as using MFA, keeping your software updated, authenticating emails, and ensuring that your backups are functioning correctly, thwart almost all of their tactics. You don’t need to be a cyber genius to stay safe. Simply ensure that your security posture is more robust than that of others, and most of these attackers will simply move on.

Originally Published at: https://ransomsecurity.com/why-unsophisticated-hackers-still-successfully-attack-thousands-of-people