How ransomware became big business

Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) has evolved from a niche concept into a mature, profit-driven model over the past decade. Its growth is fueled by revenue-sharing incentives, affiliate recruitment, and performance-based compensation, attracting both casual and professional actors alike. The emergence of platforms like TOX in 2015 marked significant milestones, introducing affiliate-based distribution and revenue sharing as foundational elements of RaaS today. Despite these advancements, ransomware remains persistent due to its accessibility combined with professional sophistication, prompting organizations to prioritize early detection and resilience against evolving threats.