AI-based ransomware

In the 2025 era, the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has brought about numerous advances and conveniences. However, on the other hand, this rapid development has also brought new threats that are far more sophisticated and deadly than conventional cyberattacks. One of the most prominent threats, currently attracting attention from the cybersecurity world, is AI-Powered Ransomware. 

This type of ransomware is an evolution of traditional ransomware attacks, now powered by artificial intelligence, enabling automated, fast, intelligent, and adaptive attacks. This article will explore in-depth what AI-based ransomware is, how it works, the threats it poses, and preventative measures that can be taken to counter this new generation of cyberattacks.

What is AI-Based Ransomware?

AI-based ransomware is a new type of malware that utilizes artificial intelligence algorithms to increase attack effectiveness, find security vulnerabilities, evade detection, and selectively encrypt data based on a file's value and priority.

While traditional ransomware operates in a brute-force manner, AI-based ransomware has the ability to think like a human, analyzing targets, selecting the most valuable files, learning system security patterns, and adjusting attack tactics in real time.

In other words, AI-based ransomware is a combination of malicious malware and artificial intelligence, making it one of the most difficult cyberthreats to combat today.

Why Is AI-Based Ransomware So Dangerous?

1. Adaptive and Rapid Learning Capabilities

The main difference between AI-based ransomware and traditional ransomware is its ability to learn. Built using machine learning technology, AI ransomware can understand how a victim's system operates.

When infiltrating a system:

• The AI ​​analyzes folder structures.

• Detects important files such as financial documents, databases, and project files.

• Selects the most valuable targets to encrypt first.

• Ignores unimportant files to save time.

This adaptive capability makes attacks faster and more effective.

2. Very Difficult to Detect

Traditional ransomware typically has a specific pattern or signature that is easily recognized by antivirus software. However, AI-based ransomware is capable of automatically mutating its code (polymorphism) each time it is executed. This means traditional security systems don't have time to recognize the constantly changing patterns.

Furthermore, AI can mimic the behavior of normal applications, thus fooling even behavioral analysis-based detection systems.

3. Using Deepfakes and Social Engineering

One of the most worrying aspects of AI attacks is their ability to create highly realistic content, such as:

• Highly convincing phishing emails.

• Deepfake voices imitating superiors,

• Fake videos to lure victims,

• Persuasive automated chats.

Social engineering attacks like these are often the first step for ransomware to enter corporate environments.

4. Fast and Coordinated Attacks

AI ransomware can:

• Spread automatically across networks,

• Delete connected backups,

• Disable antivirus software,

• Search for vulnerable servers,

• Execute encryption within seconds.

The speed of the attack leaves companies with little time to react.

5. Targeting Enterprises Specifically

AI can determine the best targets based on:

• Company size,

• Digital assets,

• Financial data,

• Potential ransom.

With this analysis, attacks are no longer random, but highly targeted and cause significant losses.