Ransomware on a Budget: The Dark Web Has a Business Plan

By Todd Wentz • June 13, 2025

Think ransomware attacks only happen to big companies with deep pockets? Think again. Today’s cybercriminals don’t need massive infrastructure or elite hacking skills—they just need a stolen credential and a $200 malware kit. Thanks to Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), even low-level attackers can punch way above their weight class—and your SMB is often the easiest target on the map.

It’s Not Personal. It’s Just Business.

Ransomware groups like BlackCat/ALPHV operate like startups. They provide sleek dashboards, affiliate programs, and customer support—except their “customers” are other criminals. These affiliates don’t write malware. They simply rent it, follow instructions, and split the ransom payouts with the creators.

This model has made ransomware scalable, automated, and shockingly affordable. According to Sophos, many RaaS kits sell for as little as $100–$500. That’s less than a new printer—and way more dangerous.

Why SMBs Are in the Crosshairs

You don’t need to be targeted to be compromised. Here’s how you end up on a ransomware affiliate’s radar:

Your credentials are for sale on dark web marketplaces from a previous phishing or breach.
Your network uses flat architecture with no internal segmentation.
Your RDP or VPN portal is exposed and missing MFA.
Your backups aren’t air-gapped—or worse, they don’t exist.

What It Really Costs

The average ransomware payment in 2023 was over $200,000. But the total recovery cost? That ballooned to $1.85 million on average, factoring in downtime, legal fees, forensics, and brand damage. And that’s assuming you survive it. Many small businesses don’t.

What Smart SMBs Are Doing Instead

Deploying EDR or MDR with automated isolation of suspicious activity.
Using behavioral detection—not just signature scans—to spot ransomware early.
Storing backups in immutable or offline systems.
Writing down a basic incident response plan—then testing it.

Final Word

In 2024, ransomware isn’t a hacker in a hoodie. It’s a business operation with a polished frontend and ruthless backend. Your best defense isn’t luck—it’s readiness.

🛡️ Want to check your ransomware resilience? Download our free Ransomware Readiness Checklist and get a real-world gut check in under 5 minutes.