Ransomware

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a category of malicious software designed to deny access to data or systems by encrypting files or locking devices. Attackers then demand a ransom in exchange for a decryption key or system restoration. Modern ransomware operations are often run by organized cybercriminal groups and target individuals, businesses, and public institutions.

Why ransomware matters

Ransomware is one of the most damaging cyber threats because it:

• Causes immediate operational disruption
• Leads to significant financial losses
• Often involves data theft and extortion
• Can trigger regulatory and legal consequences
• Severely impacts reputation and trust

Many incidents result in prolonged downtime even after payment.

How ransomware attacks work

A typical ransomware attack follows these stages:

1. Initial access (phishing, stolen credentials, exposed services)
2. Lateral movement and privilege escalation
3. Data exfiltration (in many modern attacks)
4. Encryption or system locking
5. Ransom demand and extortion

Attackers may threaten to publish stolen data if payment is refused.

Common ransomware infection vectors

Ransomware commonly spreads through:

• Phishing emails and malicious attachments
• Compromised credentials (RDP, VPN, SaaS)
• Exploited software vulnerabilities
• Malicious downloads and fake updates
• Supply chain compromises

Human error and misconfigurations are frequent enablers.

Ransomware types

Common ransomware models include:

• Crypto-ransomware - encrypts files
• Locker ransomware - locks systems or devices
• Double extortion - encryption + data theft
• Triple extortion - adds DDoS or customer pressure
• Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) - affiliate-based operations

RaaS has significantly lowered the barrier to entry for attackers.

Ransomware and data breaches

Many ransomware incidents are also data breaches:

• Sensitive data is stolen before encryption
• Organizations face leak threats even with backups
• Regulatory reporting may be required

This dual impact increases legal and compliance risk.

Preventing ransomware

Effective ransomware defense includes:

• Strong email security and phishing protection
• MFA for all remote and privileged access
• Regular patching and vulnerability management
• Network segmentation and least privilege
• Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
• Offline and immutable backups with regular testing

Prevention requires a layered security approach.

Responding to ransomware

Key response steps include:

• Isolating infected systems immediately
• Activating incident response procedures
• Preserving evidence for investigation
• Assessing data exfiltration impact
• Notifying stakeholders and authorities if required
• Restoring systems from clean backups

Paying the ransom does not guarantee recovery.

Common misconceptions

• "Paying the ransom fixes the problem"
• "Backups alone stop ransomware"
• "Only large organizations are targeted"
• "Antivirus is enough to prevent ransomware"