Ransomware (also “crypto-malware” or “data kidnapping”) is a type of malware that encrypts the victim’s data and demands a ransom to provide the decryption key, becoming one of the most critical threats in cybersecurity. This type of attack can completely paralyze an organization’s operations, result in data loss, service interruption, and significant financial losses, being fundamental for organizations to implement prevention strategies such as regular backups, security patches, and staff awareness, as well as incident response plans to contain and recover quickly from these attacks.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is malware that:

  • Encrypts files and systems of the victim
  • Demands payment to release the data
  • Threatens to destroy data if not paid
  • Propagates through networks and systems

Types of Ransomware

By Encryption Method

  • Symmetric encryption: Uses the same key to encrypt and decrypt
  • Asymmetric encryption: Uses public and private keys
  • Hybrid encryption: Combines both methods
  • File encryption: Encrypts individual files

By Scope

  • File ransomware: Encrypts specific files
  • System ransomware: Encrypts the entire system
  • Network ransomware: Propagates throughout the network
  • Database ransomware: Encrypts databases

By Distribution Method

  • Email phishing: Through malicious emails
  • Exploits: Vulnerability exploitation
  • Drive-by downloads: Automatic downloads
  • Infected USB: Malicious USB devices

Ransomware Families

Classic Ransomware

  • CryptoLocker: One of the first families
  • CryptoWall: Evolution of CryptoLocker
  • Locky: Distributed via email phishing
  • Cerber: Ransomware as a Service (RaaS)

Modern Ransomware

  • WannaCry: Exploited Windows vulnerabilities
  • NotPetya: Destructive ransomware
  • Ryuk: Targeted at large organizations
  • Maze: Ransomware with double extortion

Advanced Ransomware

  • REvil (Sodinokibi): Sophisticated RaaS
  • Conti: Enterprise ransomware
  • LockBit: Automated ransomware
  • BlackCat: Ransomware written in Rust

Attack Vectors

Email Phishing

  • Malicious attachments: Documents with macros
  • Malicious links: URLs that download ransomware
  • Malicious images: Infected image files
  • Compressed files: ZIP files with ransomware

Vulnerability Exploitation

  • RDP: Remote desktop attacks
  • SMB: Network vulnerabilities
  • RPC: Remote procedure calls
  • Web: Web vulnerabilities

Social Engineering

  • Impersonation: People or companies
  • Urgency: Create sense of urgency
  • Authority: Simulate authority
  • Curiosity: Arouse curiosity

Attack Process

Phase 1: Infiltration

  • Reconnaissance: Target identification
  • Initial access: System compromise
  • Persistence: Access maintenance
  • Escalation: Privilege acquisition

Phase 2: Propagation

  • Lateral movement: Network expansion
  • Reconnaissance: Resource identification
  • Credentials: Credential theft
  • Systems: Compromise of additional systems

Phase 3: Encryption

  • Identification: Location of critical data
  • Encryption: Encryption application
  • Deletion: Backup deletion
  • Notification: Ransom communication

Phase 4: Extortion

  • Demand: Payment request
  • Threats: Pressure to pay
  • Negotiation: Negotiation process
  • Payment: Ransom transaction

Ransomware Impacts

Financial Impacts

  • Ransom costs: Demanded payments
  • Recovery costs: System restoration
  • Productivity loss: Business interruption
  • Legal costs: Processes and fines

Operational Impacts

  • Service interruption: Operation shutdown
  • Data loss: Unrecoverable data
  • Recovery time: System restoration
  • Loss of trust: Reputation damage
  • Regulation violations: GDPR, HIPAA, etc.
  • Regulatory fines: Non-compliance sanctions
  • Lawsuits: Legal processes
  • Notification obligations: Communication to authorities

Ransomware Prevention

Technical Controls

  • Encryption: Data encryption at rest
  • Backups: Regular and secure backups
  • Patches: System updates
  • Antivirus: Endpoint protection

Network Controls

  • Segmentation: Network isolation
  • Firewall: Traffic filtering
  • Monitoring: Anomaly detection
  • Access: Network access control

User Controls

  • Training: Security training
  • Policies: Security policies
  • Privileges: Principle of least privilege
  • Verification: Multi-factor authentication

Ransomware Detection

Indicators of Compromise

  • Encrypted files: File extension changed
  • Network activity: Suspicious communications
  • Processes: Malicious processes running
  • Logs: Anomalous events in logs

Detection Tools

  • SIEM: Security event analysis
  • EDR: Endpoint detection and response
  • SOAR: Response automation
  • Behavior analysis: Anomaly detection

Ransomware Response

Immediate Containment

  • Isolation: System disconnection
  • Identification: Scope determination
  • Preservation: Evidence preservation
  • Communication: Stakeholder notification

Forensic Analysis

  • Collection: Evidence collection
  • Analysis: Incident investigation
  • Timeline: Event reconstruction
  • Documentation: Finding recording

Recovery

  • Cleaning: Malware removal
  • Restoration: Data recovery
  • Validation: Security verification
  • Monitoring: Continuous surveillance

Payment Considerations

  • Regulations: Regulatory compliance
  • Sanctions: Possible sanctions for payment
  • Transparency: Notification obligations
  • Liability: Legal liability

Technical Factors

  • Recovery: Recovery guarantee
  • Integrity: Integrity verification
  • Security: Threat elimination
  • Future: Prevention of future attacks

Ethical Factors

  • Funding: Support for criminal activities
  • Incentives: Creation of incentives for attackers
  • Alternatives: Recovery options
  • Principles: Organizational values

Best Practices

Preparation

  • Response plan: Plan development
  • Backups: Backup strategy
  • Training: Staff training
  • Testing: Response drills

Prevention

  • Patches: Vulnerability management
  • Configuration: System hardening
  • Monitoring: Continuous surveillance
  • Access: Access control

Response

  • Containment: Rapid isolation
  • Analysis: Thorough investigation
  • Communication: Effective coordination
  • Recovery: Secure restoration

References