KnowBe4 Warns of Imminent Agentic AI Ransomware Threat

KnowBe4 Warns of Imminent Agentic AI Ransomware Threat

KnowBe4 predicts the emergence of agentic AI ransomware, which could lead to faster and more effective cyberattacks, as announced on International Anti-Ransomware Day.

KnowBe4 has predicted the emergence of agentic AI ransomware, a new type of cyber threat, as announced in a press release on International Anti-Ransomware Day. This advanced form of ransomware employs AI bots to execute attacks more swiftly and effectively, posing a significant risk to cybersecurity.

Agentic AI ransomware is designed to autonomously gain access, analyze environments, and execute a series of escalating attacks to maximize profits for cybercriminals. The prediction comes as ransomware demands and payments have surged, with average payments reaching $2.73 million in 2024.

Roger Grimes, KnowBe4's data-driven defense evangelist, highlighted the urgency of integrating agentic AI into cybersecurity defenses to preemptively counteract these threats. KnowBe4 offers resources, including a Ransomware Hostage Rescue Manual, to help organizations bolster their defenses against such evolving threats.

We hope you enjoyed this article.

Consider subscribing to one of several newsletters we publish. For example, in the Daily AI Brief you can read the most up to date AI news round-up 6 days per week.

Also, consider following us on social media:

Subscribe to Cybersecurity AI Weekly

Weekly newsletter about AI in Cybersecurity.

Trend report

Cybersecurity Trends Report 2025

Netwrix

The Cybersecurity Trends Report 2025 by Netwrix Research Lab provides insights into how organizations are adapting their cybersecurity strategies amidst growing AI adoption. The report, based on a survey of 2,150 IT professionals from 121 countries, highlights key trends such as the increase in hybrid IT environments, AI-driven security challenges, and the rising costs of security incidents.

Read more