Ransomware has evolved from a simple encryption tool to a sophisticated cyber threat, posing significant risks to individuals, organizations, and governments. This research article traces the historical journey of ransomware, highlighting its development from the AIDS Trojan in the late 1980s to modern techniques such as advanced encryption, ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS), and double extortion. The article also examines the strategic approaches used by attackers, including targeted attacks on specific industries and organizations. The rise of cryptocurrencies has further enabled anonymous ransom payments, making it easier for inexperienced hackers to engage in ransomware attacks. To mitigate the impact of ransomware, the article outlines several strategies, including basic cyber hygiene measures, backup and restore methodologies, and endpoint detection and prevention. It emphasizes the importance of frequent training exercises to sensitize users about the risks of ransomware attacks and the need for a well-defined incident response procedure. The paper argues that understanding the complexity of ransomware and implementing multiple layers of defense can help organizations improve their readiness against this adaptive and continuous threat. The article serves as a valuable resource for cybersecurity experts to understand and combat the evolving nature of ransomware.Ransomware has evolved from a simple encryption tool to a sophisticated cyber threat, posing significant risks to individuals, organizations, and governments. This research article traces the historical journey of ransomware, highlighting its development from the AIDS Trojan in the late 1980s to modern techniques such as advanced encryption, ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS), and double extortion. The article also examines the strategic approaches used by attackers, including targeted attacks on specific industries and organizations. The rise of cryptocurrencies has further enabled anonymous ransom payments, making it easier for inexperienced hackers to engage in ransomware attacks. To mitigate the impact of ransomware, the article outlines several strategies, including basic cyber hygiene measures, backup and restore methodologies, and endpoint detection and prevention. It emphasizes the importance of frequent training exercises to sensitize users about the risks of ransomware attacks and the need for a well-defined incident response procedure. The paper argues that understanding the complexity of ransomware and implementing multiple layers of defense can help organizations improve their readiness against this adaptive and continuous threat. The article serves as a valuable resource for cybersecurity experts to understand and combat the evolving nature of ransomware.