Malicious software, or malware, known as ransomware blocks you from accessing your computer data, systems, or networks and demands a ransom payment in exchange for granting you access. Attacks using ransomware can result in expensive business interruptions and the loss of vital data.
Unintentionally downloading ransomware onto a computer can happen through opening an email attachment, clicking on an advertisement, choosing a link, or even visiting a website that has malware on it.
Once loaded, the malware will restrict access to both the computer’s files and data, as well as the computer itself. More dangerous versions can encrypt data stored on networked computers as well as local devices and attached drives.
Typically, you learn about it when you can’t access your data anymore or when you see computer messages informing you of the attack and requesting ransom money.
Types of Ransomware
Scareware, screen locks, and encrypting ransomware are the three basic categories of ransomware:
Scareware:
As it turns out, scareware isn’t truly as alarming. It consists of fraud with bogus security software and tech support. You might encounter a pop-up window that warns you about the discovery of malware and indicates that the only method to remove it is by paying money. Pop-ups will undoubtedly continue to appear if you do nothing, but your data are essentially safe.
A trustworthy cybersecurity software program would not engage in this kind of consumer outreach. They wouldn’t be looking out for ransomware infestation if their malware wasn’t already on your computer. You previously paid for the program to do this function if you have security software, so you won’t have to pay to have the infection removed.
Ransomware Encryption
The truly terrible stuff is this. These are the individuals who steal your files, encrypt them, and then demand payment to decrypt and redeliver them. This kind of ransomware is particularly hazardous since, once attackers have access to your files, neither security software nor system restores can help you get your data back.
If you don’t pay the ransom, the majority of them are lost. There is no guarantee the thieves will return your files, even if you do pay them.
Lockers for Screens
Upgrade these men to terror alert orange. When lock-screen ransomware infects your computer, you are completely locked out of it. When your computer first powers on, a full-size popup with an official-looking FBI or US Department of Justice seal may appear, alerting you that illegal activity has been found on your computer and that you must pay a fine. The FBI wouldn’t let you use your computer, even though they wouldn’t lock you out or demand money for illegal activity.
How Do Ransomware Attacks Work?
Penetration of your computer or network is the typical beginning of a ransomware attack. Often, a successful phishing assault allows for this breach. For instance, you may click on a dubious link in an email and let an attacker use your device or download malware onto it.
Once an attacker has gained access to your computer, ransomware can be installed in as little as a few hours. The spyware will automatically encrypt every file on your computer, preventing you from accessing it. Many ransomware programs are designed to display a message with the required ransom and other instructions for how to contact the attacker once your data has been completely encrypted.
You currently have a few choices. You can factory reset your device and restore your data from your backups if you’re organized and have copies of all of your stuff. Although it can take some time, doing this should remove the ransomware from your system and enable you to recover your data.
You can contact the attackers to pay the ransom if you don’t have backups and need to obtain back access to your data. It is not illegal to pay ransoms, despite the US government’s advice to the contrary. The majority of ransoms need payment in Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency, and some cybercriminal organizations even have customer service divisions to guide you through the payment procedure.
Why Are Ransomware Incidents So Frequent?
In the two years from 2020 to 2021, the number of known ransomware assaults more than doubled, and 2022 may witness an increase in this number. This is mostly because ransomware assaults are extremely profitable for crooks.
The average ransom paid by businesses last year was more than $800,000, according to a survey by Sophos. When cybercriminals can profit that much from each attack, they have every reason to keep launching ransomware strikes.
In reality, ransomware assaults are certain cybercriminal organizations’ primary priority. These organizations provide ransomware programs that any hacker can use, and in return, they receive a share of the revenue. By lowering the threshold for ransomware attacks, this economic model makes it simpler for anyone or any company to become a target.
How to Defend Against Ransomware Attacks?
Being proactive is the best approach to ward off ransomware threats. To avoid the widespread usage of ransomware distribution, it’s advisable to steer clear of links in emails. Additionally, you can utilize antivirus software to detect and eliminate ransomware before it encrypts your data.
Use cloud backup software to store copies of all of your files if you haven’t already. By doing this, you can restore your data even if you’ve been the target of a ransomware attack without having to pay the demanded ransom.
Maintaining a secure network is the best defense against ransomware for businesses. Identity management software can help prevent the widespread destruction brought on by ransomware. Additionally, it’s critical to teach staff members how to avoid internet phishing scams that can result in ransomware attacks.
Stage of Ransomware Attack
A ransomware attack typically unfolds in several stages, each with its own objectives and actions. Here’s a general outline of the stages involved in a typical ransomware attack:
Initial Compromise
The attacker gains initial access to the victim’s system through various means, such as phishing emails, malicious attachments, compromised websites, or exploiting vulnerabilities in software.
Establishing Foothold
Once inside the system, the attacker aims to establish a persistent presence by creating backdoors, installing remote access tools, or manipulating user accounts to ensure continued access even after potential disruptions.
Internal Reconnaissance
The attacker gathers information about the network, its architecture, valuable data, and potential targets. This stage helps them identify critical systems and data that would maximize their leverage during the attack.
Lateral Movement
The attacker moves laterally within the network, attempting to escalate privileges and access more valuable assets. They may exploit vulnerabilities or use stolen credentials to gain access to higher-privileged accounts and sensitive data.
Data Encryption
In this stage, the attacker deploys the ransomware payload, which encrypts the victim’s data using strong encryption algorithms. This makes the data inaccessible to the victim until a ransom is paid or other recovery measures are taken.
Ransom Note
After data encryption, the attacker leaves a ransom note, often displayed on the victim’s screen or in folders containing encrypted files. The note provides instructions on how to pay the ransom in exchange for the decryption key.
Communication with Victim
The attacker establishes communication with the victim, often using anonymous communication channels like Tor. They provide proof that the victim’s data has been encrypted and offer further instructions on how to pay the ransom.
Ransom Payment
If the victim chooses to pay the ransom, they follow the instructions provided by the attacker to make the payment, usually in cryptocurrency. However, paying the ransom is not a guarantee of receiving a decryption key or recovering the data.
Data Decryption
If the victim decides to pay the ransom and the attacker chooses to provide the decryption key, the victim can use this key to decrypt their data. However, this process is not always successful, and there have been cases where victims did not receive working decryption keys after payment.
Post-Attack Cleanup
After paying the ransom (or not), the victim must proceed to clean up their systems, eliminate the ransomware, close any exploited backdoors or vulnerabilities, and ensure the security of their network.
It’s important to note that the best defense against ransomware is prevention. Regularly updating software, implementing strong security measures, educating employees about phishing, and maintaining backups are essential practices to mitigate the risk of falling victim to a ransomware attack.
Ransomware Protection
The following best practices can assist you in preventing and guarding against Ransomware infestations in your business:
Endpoint Protection
The apparent first line of defense against ransomware is antivirus, however, older antivirus programs can only offer limited protection.
Modern endpoint security technologies include next-generation antivirus (NGAV), which provides defense against file-less assaults like zero-day malware, WannaCry, and ransomware that is difficult to detect or that has been obscured. They also provide endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities and device firewalls, which aid security teams in quickly identifying and thwarting endpoint assaults.
Patch Control
Update the operating system, and install programs, and security patches on the device. Conduct vulnerability scans to find and swiftly fix known issues.
Email Security
The ability to notice and prevent phishing emails should be tested, and staff members should receive training on social engineering emails. Use spam protection and endpoint protection software to automatically filter out questionable emails and, if a user does happen to click on one of the links, disable the harmful content.
Network Security
To stop ransomware from connecting with Command and control centers, use a firewall or web application firewall (WAF), intrusion prevention/intrusion detection systems (IPS/IDS), and other restrictions.
Control and Application Whitelisting
Set up device controls that let you restrict installed programs to a centrally managed whitelist. To stop users from visiting harmful websites, users should increase browser security settings, disable Adobe Flash and other weak browser plugins, and utilize web filtering. Turn off macros in word processors and other exposed programs.
Backup of Data
Use version control and the 3-2-1 rule to create regular backups of your data to an external hard drive. Disconnect the hard disc from the computer if you can to avoid having the backup data encrypted.
Ransomware Detection
Automated ransomware-specific read/write behavior detection and barring of users and endpoints from further data access is possible with real-time alerts and blocking.
Use deception-based detection to spot ransomware encrypting behaviors at the early attack stage by carefully placing hidden files on file storage systems. While still allowing access to uninfected users and devices, write/rename operations on the concealed files automatically result in a block of the infected user or endpoint.
Detailed audit trail support for forensic investigations into who, what, when, where, and how people access data can be provided by comprehensive reporting and analysis.
