Malware Brief: Trusted software, AI, and post-quantum ransomware

Barracuda Blog has published a malware-focused brief examining three connected security themes: trusted software, artificial intelligence and post-quantum ransomware. The framing highlights how changes in software supply chains, automation and cryptography are shaping the cyber-risk environment for organizations.

Trusted software is a central security concern because businesses commonly rely on third-party applications, updates and service providers. When software that appears legitimate is abused or compromised, attackers may gain access through channels that users and security teams normally regard as safe. Strong verification, patching and access controls remain standard defensive priorities.

The brief also points to AI and post-quantum ransomware as areas of attention. AI can be used to automate and scale both defensive and malicious activity, while post-quantum cryptography refers to encryption designed to resist potential future attacks from quantum computers. For crypto and Web3 systems, cryptographic resilience is especially relevant because digital assets, wallets and blockchain networks depend on secure keys and signatures. Ransomware remains a major operational threat because it can disrupt systems and pressure victims through data theft or encryption.