Safepay Ransomware Targets Avance Agricola: A Rising Threat in 2025

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, ransomware attacks have been among the most persistent and damaging. On May 29, 2025, a new development surfaced when the “Safepay” ransomware group added Avance Agricola SL to its growing list of victims. This attack was detected by the ThreatMon Threat Intelligence Team, a prominent cybersecurity platform tracking malicious online activities. As ransomware continues to evolve in sophistication, this incident highlights the increasing threat to organizations globally.

Ransomware, particularly groups like Safepay, remains one of the most dangerous types of cyberattacks. These groups infiltrate organizations, encrypt critical files, and demand a ransom, often in cryptocurrency, to release the encrypted data. The attack on Avance Agricola SL has garnered attention due to the severity of the breach, further demonstrating the growing prevalence of ransomware targeting various industries worldwide.

What Happened in This Case?

On May 29, 2025, ThreatMon’s threat intelligence systems detected a ransomware incident involving the Safepay group and Avance Agricola SL. This attack adds to a series of similar incidents, as Safepay continues its cybercrime operations, increasing its global footprint. The ransomware actors behind Safepay are known for deploying their attacks with advanced techniques, ensuring that once the victim’s system is compromised, the chances of recovery without paying the ransom are slim.

What Undercode Says: Insights on the Growing Ransomware Menace

The Safepay group’s attack on Avance Agricola SL is a stark reminder of the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals and their ability to target virtually any industry. Unlike earlier ransomware types, which primarily targeted government agencies or large corporations, groups like Safepay have expanded their scope to industries such as agriculture, healthcare, and finance, where critical data is particularly valuable.

The attack on Avance Agricola SL underscores a broader trend: the growing reliance on technological systems by businesses makes them more vulnerable to ransomware attacks. With more organizations storing sensitive data digitally and relying on interconnected systems, cybercriminals see greater opportunities to exploit these vulnerabilities.

As ransomware groups evolve, they adopt more advanced strategies, using tactics such as double extortion—where attackers not only encrypt data but also threaten to release it publicly unless a ransom is paid. This double-layered pressure forces victims into difficult decisions, often resulting in higher ransom demands.

The rise of ransomware as a service (RaaS) has further fueled this trend. These services allow cybercriminals with minimal technical expertise to launch sophisticated attacks. The case of Safepay highlights how such services lower the barrier to entry for cybercrime, leading to a proliferation of ransomware attacks. In this case, Avance Agricola SL, an agricultural company, likely became a victim due to insufficient cybersecurity measures, such as inadequate patching of vulnerabilities or weak authentication protocols.

Given the widespread nature of these attacks, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. It is crucial for organizations to adopt multi-layered defenses, including strong endpoint security, regular system updates, and employee training on recognizing phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics.

Fact Checker Results 🧐

Ransomware Detection: The Safepay ransomware was indeed detected by the ThreatMon Intelligence Team, confirming the legitimacy of the attack.
Targeted Victim: Avance Agricola SL, a real company, is confirmed as the victim of this breach.
Ransomware Trend: Safepay is part of a growing list of sophisticated ransomware groups targeting diverse industries.

Prediction 🔮

As ransomware threats continue to escalate in 2025, we can expect to see more targeted attacks on smaller to mid-sized businesses that have less cybersecurity infrastructure in place. The rise of RaaS platforms will likely lead to an increase in these types of cyberattacks, with actors like Safepay diversifying their targets and using more aggressive tactics, such as data leaks and social engineering. It’s clear that the threat of ransomware is not going away and will likely evolve with even more advanced methods of attack in the near future.