Retail’s ransomware slide hides a bigger worry

When quiet ransomware numbers mask louder cyber threats

Key Takeaways:
Exploit attempts surged ~84% quarter-over-quarter in retail. ([globenewswire.com](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/10/21/3170361/0/en/Retail-Sector-Faces-Mounting-Cyber-Pressure-Despite-Q3-Ransomware-Slowdown-PDI-Advises.html?utm_source=openai))
Ransomware extortions still almost doubled year-over-year (96.6%). ([globenewswire.com](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/10/21/3170361/0/en/Retail-Sector-Faces-Mounting-Cyber-Pressure-Despite-Q3-Ransomware-Slowdown-PDI-Advises.html?utm_source=openai))
Dark web activity rose 5.6%, expanding credential exposure risk. ([globenewswire.com](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/10/21/3170361/0/en/Retail-Sector-Faces-Mounting-Cyber-Pressure-Despite-Q3-Ransomware-Slowdown-PDI-Advises.html?utm_source=openai))

Retailers might feel relief seeing a drop in ransomware extortion in Q3 2025, but the latest data from PDI Security makes one thing clear: attackers are just shifting gears. Exploit attempts are up, dark web activity is climbing, and customer trust hangs in the balance. ([pditechnologies.com](https://pditechnologies.com/news/retail-sector-cyber-pressure-q3-ransomware-slowdown-pdi-advises/?utm_source=openai))

For Growing SMBs like Marcus’s construction or design firm, or Dr. Evelyn Harper’s clinic, it is not enough to react. You need systems that detect threats early, backups that restore fast, and policies that protect always.

Let’s lead with proactive cybersecurity—not clean-up after a breach.

Discover how to build resilient defenses now.

https://middlegeorgiaceo.com/news/2025/10/retail-sector-faces-mounting-cyber-pressure-despite-q3-ransomware-slowdown-pdi-advises/