202503211621 - Ransomware

An aspect of CyberSecurity

Attacks

2017 WannaCry ransomware attack
What is a Cobalt Strike
202406260957 - types of ransomware attacks

What is a Ransomware Attack?

A ransomware attack is a type of cyberattack where malicious software (malware) encrypts a victim's files or systems, rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid, typically in cryptocurrency. The attacker provides a decryption key only after payment, although there is no guarantee the files will be restored. Modern ransomware often employs double extortion, where attackers threaten to leak sensitive data if the ransom is not paid1210.

How Ransomware Attacks Work

Ransomware attacks generally follow these stages:

  1. Infection: Attackers gain access to systems using phishing emails, malicious links, or exploiting software vulnerabilities.
  2. Encryption: The malware encrypts critical files and may spread across networks.
  3. Ransom Demand: Victims receive a ransom note with payment instructions, often demanding cryptocurrency1610.

Examples and Impact

High-profile ransomware attacks include:

Ransomware has become one of the most significant cybersecurity threats, with global damages projected to reach $265 billion annually by 20317. It has disrupted hospitals, governments, and businesses worldwide9.

Prevention and Mitigation

Organizations can reduce ransomware risks by:

While paying the ransom may seem like the quickest solution, experts advise against it due to ethical concerns and the lack of guarantees for data recovery6. Robust security measures and incident response plans are essential to mitigate ransomware threats effectively.

Citations:
[1] https://www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/cybersecurity-101/ransomware/
[2] https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/ransomware
[3] https://www.upguard.com/blog/ransomware-examples
[4] https://www.cisa.gov/stopransomware/ransomware-guide
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ransomware
[6] https://www.zscaler.com/resources/security-terms-glossary/what-are-ransomware-attacks
[7] https://www.sentinelone.com/cybersecurity-101/cybersecurity/ransomware-examples/
[8] https://www.upguard.com/blog/best-practices-to-prevent-ransomware-attacks
[9] https://www.checkpoint.com/cyber-hub/threat-prevention/ransomware/
[10] https://www.proofpoint.com/us/threat-reference/ransomware
[11] https://www.cyber.gov.au/threats/types-threats/ransomware
[12] https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/ransomware/home
[13] https://therecord.media/microsoft-zero-day-used-ransomware-attack-real-estate
[14] https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/feature/Explaining-AIs-impact-on-ransomware-attacks-and-security
[15] https://www.morphisec.com/blog/ransomware-trends-notable-attacks-last-six-months/
[16] https://www.reddit.com/r/cybersecurity/comments/j9bm55/how_does_ransomware_work_full_explanation_please/
[17] https://online.utulsa.edu/blog/famous-ransomware-attacks-in-history/
[18] https://www.cybereason.com/blog/ten-of-the-biggest-ransomware-attacks-of-2021
[19] https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/news/366617564/10-of-the-biggest-ransomware-attacks-in-2024
[20] https://www.cisecurity.org/insights/blog/7-steps-to-help-prevent-limit-the-impact-of-ransomware
[21] https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/mitigating-malware-and-ransomware-attacks
[22] https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/how-to-prevent-ransomware
[23] https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/ransomware
[24] https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/ransomware
[25] https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/ransomware
[26] https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/topics/security/what-is-ransomware.html
[27] https://www.seagate.com/blog/how-do-ransomware-attacks-work/
[28] https://www.reddit.com/r/hacking/comments/oazfs4/how_does_ransomware_spread_over_a_network/
[29] https://www.processunity.com/resources/blogs/7-ransomware-last-decade/
[30] https://perception-point.io/guides/ransomware/ransomware-examples-and-lessons-learned/
[31] https://www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/cybersecurity-101/ransomware/ransomware-examples/
[32] https://proton.me/blog/ransomware-attack
[33] https://www.digitalguardian.com/blog/50-examples-ransomware-attacks-and-their-impacts
[34] https://www.cisa.gov/stopransomware/how-can-i-protect-against-ransomware
[35] https://perception-point.io/guides/ransomware/what-is-ransomware-attack-types-examples-detection-and-prevention/