The Hidden Human Toll of Cyberattacks in 2025
January 5, 2026
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Cyberattacks are often discussed in terms of financial damage and operational disruption, but their impact on human lives is rarely highlighted. In 2025, several incidents have revealed the tragic and frightening consequences cybercrime can inflict on individuals and communities.
Synnovis: The First Confirmed Ransomware-Related Death
In 2024, a ransomware attack by the group Qilin targeted Synnovis, a pathology services provider for London hospitals. While the attack was reported at the time for its operational chaos, it was only recently confirmed that a patient died during the service disruption. The King's College Hospital NHS Trust verified that this death was directly linked to the attack, making it the first confirmed case of a ransomware-related fatality.
Kido International: Data Leaked of Schoolchildren
This year, cybercriminals went beyond typical data breaches, weaponizing personal information of young children. Ransomware group Radiant Group leaked images of ten schoolchildren along with their home addresses and contact details online, causing outrage among parents. The attack was condemned by security experts for its reprehensible breach of privacy, and rival cybercriminal groups publicly shamed Radiant for its unethical handling of the data.
Jaguar Land Rover: Economic Disruption and Workforce Anxiety
The automotive giant JLR suffered a severe five-week cyberattack, costing over £2 billion ($2.68 billion) and causing widespread supply chain disruptions. The shutdown led to fears among employees and their families about layoffs and financial hardships, with many workers confined at home during the recovery. While JLR avoided redundancies, the psychological toll on its workforce was profound.
Rise in Violent Cybercrime and Physical Threats
Cybercriminals’ ambitions are escalating, with reports of increased violence associated with crypto theft. Notably, a kidnapping of Ledger’s co-founder and his wife involved demands for ransom, highlighting how cybercriminal activities can turn violent. Security firms like CrowdStrike observed a surge in “violence as a service,” including threats of physical harm and even amputations during negotiations. Ransomware gangs are also threatening victims with physical violence and targeting their families.
Virtual Kidnappings and AI-Driven Scams
The FBI has warned about the rise of AI-powered virtual kidnappings, where scammers use deepfake images to deceive families into paying ransom. These techniques create convincing but fake evidence that loved ones are in danger. Victims are advised to contact authorities and verify the authenticity of such threats, avoiding sharing sensitive information online.
Critical Infrastructure Under Threat
While rare, cyberattacks on emergency services can lead to chaos. In July, UK telecom giants BT and Three experienced outages affecting emergency calls. More recently, a cyberattack on the US-based emergency alert system provider CodeRED led to data theft and temporary suspension of service, forcing authorities to revert to traditional communication methods. Though no crises occurred during these outages, they underscore the potential for cyberattacks to cause widespread panic.
The year 2025 continues to reveal the darker side of cybercrime, emphasizing that the human toll—fatalities, trauma, and societal disruption—can be as devastating as financial losses. It is vital for organizations and individuals alike to take cybersecurity seriously—not just for their data, but for their lives.