Ransomware has become a significant threat to individuals, businesses, and government entities worldwide. This malicious software encrypts files or locks users out of their systems, demanding a ransom payment to restore access. Understanding ransomware, its mechanisms, types, and prevention strategies is crucial for safeguarding data and systems.
Keep reading, as this article discusses the complexities of these attacks, offering insights into their workings, variations, and methods to prevent and respond to attacks.
What is Ransomware?
Malware known as ransomware encrypts and locks a victim’s files, devices, or systems, rendering them unusable unless the attacker receives a payment.
Initially, it only used encryption to block access to files and systems. Victims who had backups could restore their data without paying the ransom. To force payments, cybercriminals began using tactics like cyber extortion, threatening to leak sensitive data or disrupt operations. They also started targeting victims’ backups to prevent recovery. According to Veeam’s “2023 Ransomware Trends Report,” over 93% of these attacks targeted backup data last year.
It falls under the broader category of malware, which includes any malicious software that allows unauthorized access to systems. These attacks can be devastating, affecting individuals, organizations, and even entire cities or countries.
They are increasingly common due to their financial success. For instance, Verizon’s “2023 Data Breach Investigations Report” noted attacks in 24% of breaches, while Sophos’ “The State of Ransomware 2023” reported that 66% of organizations experienced these attacks in the past year, with 76% resulting in data encryption.
How Does Ransomware Work?
This attack lifecycle consists of six general stages: malware distribution and infection, command and control, discovery and lateral movement, malicious theft and file encryption, extortion, and resolution.
Stage 1: Malware Distribution and Infection
Attackers must get into their victims’ systems and install malware before they can demand a ransom. Some of the common attack vectors include:
- Phishing: Attackers use legitimate-looking emails with malicious links or attachments to trick users into installing malware. Variants include smishing (SMS phishing), vishing (voice phishing), and spear phishing (targeted phishing).
- Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and Credential Abuse: Attackers use brute-force or credential-stuffing attacks, or purchase credentials from the dark web, to log into systems as legitimate users and infect the network with malware.
- Software Vulnerabilities: Attackers exploit unpatched or outdated software vulnerabilities to infiltrate a victim’s system. Notable examples include the WannaCry attack, which exploited a Windows SMB protocol vulnerability.
Stage 2: Command and Control
A command-and-control (C&C) server, operated by the attackers, sends encryption keys to the infected system, installs additional malware, and facilitates other stages of its lifecycle.
Stage 3: Discovery and Lateral Movement
In this stage, attackers gather information about the victim’s network to understand how to launch a successful attack. They then spread the infection to other devices and elevate their access privileges to seek out valuable data.
Stage 4: Malicious Theft and File Encryption
Attackers exfiltrate data to their C&C server for use in extortion attacks. They then encrypt the data and systems using the keys sent from their C&C server.
Stage 5: Extortion
The attackers demand a ransom payment, notifying the organization that it is a victim of these attacks.
Stage 6: Resolution
The victim organization must address and recover from the attack, which may involve restoring backups, implementing the recovery plan, paying the ransom, negotiating with attackers, or rebuilding systems from scratch.
Types of Ransomware
It has evolved, with various types posing different threats. Some important types include:
Double Extortion
Double-extortion is like a Maze, which combines data encryption with data theft. This method was created in response to businesses that refused to pay ransom demands and instead chose to restore from backups. By stealing and threatening to leak data, attackers increase the pressure on victims to pay up.
Triple Extortion
Triple extortion adds a third extortion technique to double extortion. This often involves demanding a ransom from the victim’s customers or partners or performing a DDoS attack against the company.
Locker Ransomware
This kind of malware locks the victim’s computer, rendering it unusable until the ransom is paid. Unlike other types, it doesn’t encrypt files but prevents access to the entire system.
Crypto Ransomware
It highlights that its payments are commonly made in cryptocurrency, which is harder to trace than traditional financial transactions.
Wiper
Wipers are a different form of malware that aims to permanently deny access to encrypted files by deleting only a copy of the encryption key.
Ransomware as a Service (RaaS)
RaaS is a malware distribution model where its gangs provide affiliates with access to their malware. These affiliates infect targets and split ransom payments with the ransomware developers.
Data-Stealing Ransomware
Some of these attack variants focus on data theft, abandoning data encryption entirely. This approach can be faster and less detectable, allowing attackers to exfiltrate valuable information before the victim notices.
What Are Some Notable Ransomware Examples?
Several of these attack strains have significantly impacted globally, causing widespread damage.
WannaCry
WannaCry is an encrypting ransomware that exploits a Windows SMB protocol vulnerability, spreading rapidly across networks. In 2017, it affected 230,000 computers in 150 countries, causing an estimated $4 billion in damages.
Cerber
Cerber is a RaaS model of these attacks, available for use by cybercriminals who share their loot with the malware developer. It runs silently, encrypts files, and displays a ransom note on the victim’s desktop.
Locky
Locky can encrypt 160 file types and is primarily distributed through exploit kits or phishing emails. It was first released in 2016 and targets files used by designers, engineers, and testers.
Cryptolocker
Cryptolocker, released in 2017, infected over 500,000 computers. It spreads through email, file sharing sites, and unprotected downloads, encrypting files on local machines and network drives.
Petya and NotPetya
Petya encrypts the entire hard drive by accessing the Master File Table (MFT), making the disk inaccessible. NotPetya, a more dangerous variant, uses propagation mechanisms to spread without human intervention, encrypting the MFT and damaging data beyond recovery.
Ryuk
Ryuk infects machines via phishing emails or drive-by downloads. It establishes a persistent network connection, allowing attackers to perform additional actions like installing keyloggers, performing privilege escalation, and lateral movement before activating the locker ransomware.
GrandCrab
GrandCrab, released in 2018, encrypts files and demands a ransom, targeting Windows machines. Free decryptors are available for most versions of GrandCrab.
How to Remove Ransomware
There are many ways these attacks can spread. Once it infects one device on your network, it can cause major problems and stop business operations.
With confidential data, financial health, and brand reputation on the line, knowing how to handle them is crucial. However, the best defence is to prevent it from happening in the first place.
If you do get hit by ransomware, it’s important to follow these steps:
Step 1: Find the Infected Device(s)
Disconnect every device connected to the network, whether it’s on-site or off-site. Also, turn off any wireless connections like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to stop these attacks from spreading and encrypting important data.
If somehow they get into your network, immediately find and isolate any infected devices to prevent the infection from spreading.
Start by looking for any unusual activity, like files being renamed or file extensions changing. Often, the breach happens because someone clicked on a suspicious link in a phishing email. Ask your employees if they notice any suspicious activity, as this can help you identify the infected devices.
Step 2: Reboot to Safe Mode
Reboot the infected device in safe mode to halt the spread. While some trojans, like ‘REvil’ and ‘Snatch,’ can still run in safe mode, not all of them can. Safe mode can buy valuable time to install anti-malware software.
However, remember that any files already encrypted will stay encrypted in safe mode. You’ll need to restore these files from a data backup.
Step 3: Install Anti-Ransomware Software
After identifying and disconnecting the infected devices from the network, use anti-malware software to remove these kinds of malware.
If you try to return to normal business operations before the devices are fully cleaned and decrypted, you risk the malware spreading again and compromising more files.
Step 4: Scan for Ransomware Programs
Once you think your devices are free of these attacks or other malware, scan your system thoroughly. Look for suspicious behavior like changes in file extensions, and use next-generation firewalls. This thorough scan will help you find any hidden trojans that could cause problems again when you restore your computer.
Step 5: Restore from Backups
After decrypting your devices and installing antivirus software, restore any compromised files from your backup data. However, before restoring, check the backup files for any corruption, as modern ransomware can infect them too.
Rolling out corrupted backups could bring you back to square one.
Step 6: Report the Attack
Report the attack to relevant authorities and law enforcement to address broader consequences and prevent future incidents.
How to Prevent Ransomware Attacks?
Preventing ourselves from these attacks involves a multi-layered approach, focusing on employee training, regular updates, and strong security measures.
Employee Training
Inform staff members about safe online conduct and phishing scams. Regular training sessions can help employees recognize suspicious emails and links, reducing the risk of malware infections.
Regular Updates and Patches
Keep software and systems updated with the latest patches to close vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit. Regularly update antivirus and anti-malware software to recognize and block new threats.
Backup Data Regularly
Maintain regular backups of critical data, stored offline or in secure cloud environments. Ensure backups are tested and can be quickly restored in case of an attack.
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Use MFA to add an extra layer of security, making it harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems.
Use Advanced Threat Detection
Deploy advanced threat detection tools, such as next-generation firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions, to identify and mitigate potential threats.
Secure Remote Access
Ensure remote access protocols, such as RDP, are secured with strong passwords, MFA, and limited access permissions. Regularly audit and monitor remote access logs for suspicious activity.
Network Segmentation
Segment the network to limit the spread of these attacks. By isolating critical systems and data, organizations can minimize the impact of an attack.
Incident Response Plan
Create and maintain an incident response strategy that outlines what to do in the event of a ransomware attack. Make sure that every employee is aware of the plan, and practice drills on a regular basis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q 1. What should I do if ransomware infects my computer?
A. If your computer is infected with this type of malware, disconnect it from the network immediately to prevent further spread. Reboot in safe mode and use anti-malware software to remove them. Restore your files from backups if possible and report the attack to authorities.
Q 2. How can businesses prevent ransomware attacks?
A. Businesses can prevent these attacks by regularly updating software, educating employees about phishing scams, and implementing strong cybersecurity measures. Backing up data regularly and using network segmentation can also mitigate risks.
Q 3. Is it safe to pay the ransom in a ransomware attack?
A. Paying the ransom in this attack is generally discouraged for several reasons. Firstly, no guarantee paying will result in data recovery. Secondly, it funds criminal activities, potentially encouraging further attacks. Moreover, it may violate legal and regulatory obligations. It’s advised to consult cybersecurity experts and law enforcement for guidance tailored to the specific situation.
Q 4. What are the common entry points for ransomware attacks?
A. Common entry points for these attacks include phishing emails with malicious attachments or links, unpatched software vulnerabilities, weak remote desktop protocol (RDP) credentials, and malicious advertisements or websites. Additionally, compromised third-party software or suppliers can also serve as entry points. Maintaining updated security measures, conducting regular training for employees, and implementing strong cybersecurity protocols are essential defences against such attacks.
Q 5. How can individuals protect themselves from ransomware?
A. Individuals can protect themselves from this kind of attack by following several key practices. First, keep all software and operating systems updated with the latest security patches. Second, exercise caution with email attachments and links, especially from unknown or suspicious sources. Third, use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible. Fourth, regularly back up important data and store backups offline or in a separate location. Finally, one must educate oneself about these threats and remain vigilant to recognize potential phishing attempts or suspicious activities.
Conclusion
Ransomware is a formidable threat that requires a comprehensive approach to defence. By understanding how it works, recognizing its various types, and implementing strong prevention and response strategies, individuals and organizations can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these attacks.
Staying vigilant, maintaining up-to-date security measures, and promoting a culture of cybersecurity awareness are crucial steps in safeguarding data and systems against the ever-evolving landscape of ransomware threats.