Ransomware is a type of malware that enters a computer or network, encrypts the victim’s data, and then demands payment for the decryption key. The goal of ransomware is monetary gain, with attackers attempting to extort money from their victims. There are many types of ransomware, each with its own encryption methods and tactics, but they all have the same goal: ransomware comes in a variety of forms, each with unique encryption strategies. While the primary goal of all of them is to hold a victim’s data hostage until a ransom is paid, there are other risks and objectives at play. For instance, some ransomware attackers may threaten to make private information public in an effort to increase pressure on the victim to pay the ransom. It is crucial to understand that these assaults don’t always have the sole purpose of capturing the data and destroying it. But commonly, they seek to hold a victim’s data hostage or threaten to expose it until a ransom is paid.

Ransomware is a major cyber security threat that can disrupt businesses, governments, and individuals alike. It takes advantage of flaws in a computer system or network, frequently via phishing emails, malicious downloads, or compromised websites. Once inside a system, ransomware spreads quickly, locking or encrypting files and demanding payment to unlock them. Ransomware can have a devastating impact on an organization, resulting in data loss, financial strain, reputational damage, and potential legal ramifications.

Crypto malware is an umbrella term for malicious software that includes ransomware. Crypto malware is any malware that employs cryptography to conceal its activities, encrypt data, or extort money from victims. Ransomware is an example of crypto malware because it uses encryption to encrypt a victim’s files and demands payment in cryptocurrency. Cryptojacking, which secretly mines cryptocurrency on the victim’s computer, and cryptolockers, which encrypt files without demanding a ransom, are two other types of crypto malware.

Ransomware usually infiltrates a computer or network via phishing emails, malicious attachments, compromised websites, or exploiting software vulnerabilities. When the ransomware gains access, it encrypts the victim’s files or locks their system, rendering data inaccessible. Without the decryption key, the encryption is strong and frequently unbreakable.

Following the completion of the encryption process, the ransomware displays a ransom note, which includes instructions for the victim on how to pay the ransom, usually in cryptocurrency, as well as a payment deadline. If the deadline is not met, the attackers may threaten to delete the encrypted files, increase the ransom amount, or leak sensitive information.

Ransomware is intended to extort money from victims by encrypting and possibly exfiltrating their data. It accomplishes this by:

• Using various attack vectors to gain access to a computer or network.
• Using advanced encryption algorithms to encrypt files or lock systems.
• In exchange for the decryption key, the attacker demands a ransom from the victim.
• Using deadlines and threats of data deletion or exposure to apply pressure.
• Exfiltrating sensitive information to use as leverage in some cases.

Ransomware attacks can be initiated through a variety of methods, some of which include:

1. Phishing emails: Phishing emails are frequently used by attackers to trick recipients into clicking on malicious links or opening infected attachments. These emails may appear to be from trusted sources or contain urgent messages designed to trick the recipient into acting.
2. Exploit kits: Exploit kits are tools used by cybercriminals to exploit known vulnerabilities in software or operating systems. Exploit kits can be used by attackers to deliver ransomware to a target system without requiring user interaction.
3. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) attacks: RDP is a popular protocol that allows users to access and manage computer systems remotely. Attackers can gain access to a system and deploy ransomware by exploiting weak RDP credentials or vulnerabilities.
4. Malvertising: Malvertising is the practice of inserting malicious code into legitimate online advertising networks. Users can be infected with ransomware simply by visiting a website that displays the malicious advertisement, even if they do not click on it.

1. Disconnect: Disconnect the affected device(s) from the network immediately to prevent the ransomware from spreading to other devices or systems. This includes disconnecting from Wi-Fi and any external devices or cloud storage services that are connected.
2. Isolate the affected device(s): Turn off any shared network resources and disable remote access to the infected devices. This can aid in the containment of the ransomware and the mitigation of further damage.
3. Preserve evidence: Keep a copy of the ransom note, any suspicious emails or attachments, and any other artifacts related to the attack as evidence. These could aid cybersecurity professionals or law enforcement in their investigation and recovery efforts.
4. Consult with DriveSavers: For professional assistance, contact DriveSavers. Our experts can evaluate your options, walk you through the recovery process, and assist you in determining the viability of returning your data.

1. Activate your incident response plan: If your company has an incident response plan, use it to ensure a coordinated response to the ransomware attack.
2. Notify the following parties: Report the ransomware infection to your IT department, security team, or managed service provider. Depending on your jurisdiction and the nature of the compromised data, you may also be required to report the incident to law enforcement or a regulatory body.
3. Determine the extent of the infection: Determine which files, devices, or systems have been affected, as well as the ransomware strain in question. This information can assist you in determining the best course of action for your recovery.
4. Consult with DriveSavers: For professional assistance, contact DriveSavers. Our experts can evaluate your options, walk you through the recovery process, and assist you in determining the viability of decrypting your data.
5. Communicate with stakeholders: Keep your employees, customers, and partners up to date on the situation, and be open about the steps you’re taking to address it, including working with DriveSavers to recover your data.

Paying the ransom is not your only option. Furthermore, it my not be the best option

for the following reasons:
• Paying the ransom results in a full recovery of all data in as little as 4% of cases.
• Paying the ransom demonstrates the value of your data to the threat actor, and may encourage double, or even triple extortion.
• Paying a ransom is funding illegal activity, and, in some cases, is illegal in itself and can lead to prosecution.
• Engaging with a professional data recovery company can lead to a fuller, quicker, and less expensive method of reclaiming the data, without funding crime.

DriveSavers uses tools we have designed specifically for the recovery of data that has been compromised by a ransomware attack, and target unaffected sources of data.

Data recovery solutions for ransomware-affected systems include:
• Using or modifying the hundreds of decryptors we currently have, or developing new decryptors to reverse the damage done by the threat actor.
• Modifying decryptors provided by the threat actor to improve decryption results.
• Repairing corrupt files post-decryption.
• Recovering older or other versions of the data which remain unaffected, including from copy-on-write systems.
• Searching and recovering from alternative data sources, including tape and cloud assets.
• Restore your files from secure, up-to-date backups of your data.

DriveSavers can also check that your backups are malware-free before restoring them to your system.