Recent analyses by Picus Labs raise critical questions about the current landscape of cybersecurity threats, particularly the evolving methods employed by attackers. The findings from the Red Report 2026 indicate a distinct shift away from traditional ransomware tactics. With over 1.1 million malicious files examined and 15.5 million adversarial actions recorded throughout 2025, the report uncovers a concerning trend: attackers are investing less energy into overt disruptions and more into achieving long-term, stealthy access to targets.
While ransomware remains a prevalent concern, the report highlights a decisive strategic pivot. No longer is the primary aim to create immediate chaos. Instead, adversaries are increasingly operating under a model resembling that of a ‘Digital Parasite,’ embedding themselves within systems, quietly exfiltrating sensitive data, and exploiting credentials. This subtlety often enables attackers to avoid detection while exerting control over compromised infrastructure.
Public discourse around cybersecurity typically focuses on high-profile incidents marked by dramatic shutdowns. However, the Red Report’s insights suggest that many organizations are losing sight of the more insidious threats that exist. The classic signals of compromise, such as system lockouts due to ransomware, are diminishing in frequency and relevance. For instance, the rate of attacks employing the Data Encrypted for Impact technique fell by 38% from 2024 to 2025, indicating a calculated move toward less conspicuous strategies by attackers.
Instead of directly locking users out of their systems, contemporary threat actors are opting for data extortion as their monetization method. They can maintain operational systems while continuously siphoning off sensitive information, leveraging their access to extract credentials and tokens—thus laying the groundwork for extended persistence within corporate environments.
The analysis reveals that nearly a quarter of all attacks now involve credential theft. According to the Red Report, techniques like Credentials from Password Stores are used with increasing frequency, allowing adversaries to bypass traditional defenses by extracting saved credentials directly from browsers and password managers. Once armed with this information, attackers often find it relatively easy to escalate privileges and maneuver laterally through networks.
This trend is echoed in the fact that nearly 80% of the top techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework now prioritize stealth. The Red Report elucidates this focus on evading detection; many organizations unknowingly invite threats through trusted processes and channels. Techniques such as Process Injection, Boot or Logon Autostart Execution, and Application Layer Protocols have become commonplace, allowing attackers to blend in with normal activity and prolong their presence within targeted environments. The emphasis on maintaining long-term access over creating immediate disruption signifies a fundamental shift in the metrics by which adversaries gauge their success.
Furthermore, the report identifies a concerning evolution in malware sophistication. Modern threats have developed a self-awareness component, capable of avoiding execution in environments perceived as monitored or artificial, exemplified by the Virtualization and Sandbox Evasion tactic. This new behavior indicates a strategic evolution where inaction is leveraged as a core evasion method. Consequently, defenders must reevaluate how they use behavioral analysis to detect illicit activity that is designed to appear mundane.
Despite speculation surrounding the role of artificial intelligence in reshaping the cyber threat landscape, the data reflects a more subdued reality. The use of AI-driven techniques in malware remains peripheral, with traditional methods still prevailing. As attackers hone their strategies, it becomes evident that success stems not from innovation but from a refined approach to remaining inconspicuous while deeply embedded in target networks.
As these trends unfold, businesses must recognize the importance of foundational security measures, including behavior-based detection and credential hygiene. By focusing on understanding and addressing the tactics employed by modern adversaries, organizations can enhance their defenses against the quiet compromises characteristic of today’s cyber threats. The Red Report serves as a crucial reminder that, while high-profile attacks garner headlines, the pervasive risks posed by stealthy attackers require immediate attention and remediation.
For in-depth insights into these findings and to explore effective strategies for defending against evolving cyber threats, download the full Picus Red Report 2026.
This article was authored by Sıla Özeren Hacıoğlu, Security Research Engineer at Picus Security.