According to the 2025 Holiday Ransomware Risk Report by Semperis, businesses are seeing a disturbing uptick in ransomware attacks, particularly during periods of corporate upheaval—such as mergers and acquisitions (M&As), initial public offerings (IPOs), and layoffs. These critical moments, when organizations are often operating with leaner teams, create a perfect storm for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities in the system.
During these times, businesses are typically in a transitional phase. Staff may be reassigned or let go, and the remaining workforce might be stretched thin as they handle multiple tasks. This reduction in personnel can inadvertently open doors for hackers, who are quick to take advantage of these gaps in security. Attackers know that a company in the middle of a merger or restructuring may not be operating at full capacity, making it a prime target for cybercrime.
The Holiday and Weekend Threat
The holiday season—especially long weekends like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other major public holidays—is another window of opportunity for ransomware actors. These periods are particularly vulnerable because companies typically have fewer employees on hand to monitor and defend their networks. The holiday downtime creates an environment where threat actors can execute their attacks with greater impunity, knowing that fewer staff will be available to respond swiftly.
Chris Inglis, Cyber Director at Semperis, emphasizes the importance of enhancing cyber resilience during these vulnerable times. He warns that ransomware attacks launched during holidays or corporate upheavals can cause significant and long-lasting damage to organizations. These attacks often result in extended downtimes, which can lead to substantial financial losses and erode customer trust. “The cost of such disruptions goes beyond immediate financial loss—it can also severely damage a company’s reputation and business operations,” Inglis notes.
Survey Findings: A Global Trend of Increased Cyber Threats
In a survey conducted for the report, nearly 52% of respondents—spanning major markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Singapore, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—reported an increase in cyberattacks, particularly ransomware, during weekends and periods of corporate turmoil. This global trend highlights that ransomware isn’t confined to one region or type of business—it is a widespread threat impacting companies of all sizes and sectors.
For example, the Jaguar Land Rover data breach is a case in point. The attack began on a Sunday and continued until the following weekend, when the breach was finally detected and mitigated. Similarly, Collins Aerospace faced a major disruption when cybercriminals launched their attack on a Friday evening, which bled into the early hours of Monday morning, causing operational chaos at airports over the weekend. These examples underline the effectiveness of the attackers’ strategy—launching their campaigns when fewer resources are available to respond.
Proactive Preparation is Key
To mitigate these risks, Semperis recommends that organizations bolster their cyber defenses by ensuring that their IT teams remain adequately staffed and prepared, even during non-business hours and periods of corporate transition. Proactively planning for these high-risk times—including ensuring that systems are monitored around the clock and that staff are trained to respond quickly—can significantly reduce the chances of a successful attack.
Ultimately, the key takeaway from the report is that companies must adopt a proactive mindset when it comes to cybersecurity. The risks associated with ransomware and other forms of cyberattacks are not just theoretical—they are a very real and immediate threat that could lead to severe operational, financial, and reputational damage. By enhancing their cyber resilience, businesses can safeguard themselves during times of increased vulnerability and ensure that they are better prepared to handle attacks when they occur.
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