AI-Powered Ransomware Is Here: The Urgent Need to Address PromptLock and How to Fight Back

Prompt lock The AI ransomware threat.

Hello, IT professionals. Whether you’re managing a small startup, a large corporation, or anything in between, the rise of PromptLock, an AI-driven ransomware variant, is a significant concern.

This isn’t just another malware threat; it poses a serious risk to your business. Let’s explore what PromptLock means for you and how a data-focused strategy, like RansomStop’s real-time detection and prevention, can help protect your organization.

PromptLock: The AI-Powered Threat Changing the Game

Picture a ransomware that doesn’t merely follow a set pattern but creates its own tactics as it goes. That’s what PromptLock does. Identified by ESET’s Anton Cherepanov and Peter Strycek, this strain utilizes a local large language model to craft harmful Lua scripts in real-time.

These scripts scan your systems, identify valuable files to encrypt or steal, and execute their plans with alarming accuracy. Unlike traditional ransomware, which depends on predictable code, PromptLock’s AI-driven flexibility allows it to evade standard antivirus solutions effortlessly.

Currently, PromptLock appears to be in the experimental stage, with no confirmed victims reported yet. However, don’t let that make you complacent. Ransomware attacks surged by 25% in 2025, with over 60 active groups and 41 new ones emerging this year alone.

AI is the next frontier, enabling even less skilled attackers to create havoc. For businesses of all sizes, from small shops to multinational corporations, this is a crucial alert. The average cost of a ransomware attack is approximately $1.85 million, with recovery taking as long as 24 days —a time that most businesses cannot afford to lose.

Why Every Business Is at Risk

Regardless of your company’s size, ransomware does not discriminate. Small businesses often lack the resources for strong defenses, while larger organizations have extensive attack surfaces that are challenging to secure. PromptLock’s AI capabilities exacerbate these risks, exploiting vulnerabilities in hybrid environments and unpatched systems.