Ransomware has continued to evolve, but one thing remains the same: companies are still falling for the same old mistakes. Despite advances in cybersecurity, most attacks do not occur because of technical failures, but because someone, somewhere in the organization, clicks where they shouldn't. 

Cybercriminals know this and have changed their strategy: they are no longer trying to crack the most advanced security systems, but are looking for the easiest way in. And, in most cases, that means taking advantage of the human factor. 

From technical vulnerabilities to sophisticated deception 

A few years ago, ransomware relied on exploiting software vulnerabilities or gaps in infrastructure. Today, attackers have refined their methods and rely less on technology and more on psychological manipulation.

Phishing, social engineering andthe use of stolen credentials have overtaken traditional exploits as attack vectors. According to recent studies, more than 80% of ransomware attacks begin with human error, either by opening an infected file, reusing leaked passwords or falling for a fraudulent request. 

"Ransomware is no longer just a computer security issue, but an organizational behavior problem," cybersecurity experts say. 

Deepfakes, AI and the new age of deception 

Where once attackers were limited to poorly written emails with suspicious links, fraud is now much more sophisticated. Deepfakes and artificial intelligence have taken deception to a level where even the most skilled employees can become victims. 

Recent cases have shown attacks in which voice and video deepfakes have been used to impersonate managers and convince employees to make fraudulent transfers. It's no longer just a matter of spotting a suspicious email; now you have to question whether the person giving instructions on the other side of the screen is really who they say they are. 

The implications of this are enormous, especially in sectors such as finance, where a single malicious order can cost millions. 

Misunderstood trust: when the problem is not the technology, but the corporate culture 

Companies have spent fortunes on advanced security tools, but still fail to address their weakest link: people.

Ransomware does not need to break firewalls if it can take advantage of overconfidence and internal errors. Some common patterns in organizations: 

• Uncontrolled privileged access: employees with excessive permissions become attractive targets for attackers. 

• Poorly communicated security policies: many companies have protocols, but few employees actually know how to apply them. 

• Lack of awareness testing: simulated phishing attacks remain one of the best ways to train teams, but many organizations see them as a formality rather than a necessity. 

How to reduce the risk? 

Companies must assume that security is not just a software issue, but also a human behavior issue. Some key actions to mitigate risk include: 

• Realistic attack simulations: internal phishing and digital fraud campaigns to detect weaknesses before attackers do. 

• Strict access control: apply the principle of least privilege so that each user only has the strictly necessary permissions. 

• Advanced authentication: enforce access with methods based on behavior and not only on passwords. 

• Continuous training: awareness cannot be limited to an annual course; security must be part of the company's DNA. 

Ransomware is no longer a purely technological problem. The real threat lies in how companies manage trust and security in their own internal structure.

No matter how much is invested in firewalls and detection systems, as long as a single employee can be fooled, the door will remain open.