You might be wondering if ransomware is really as problematic as experts claim. With attacks skyrocketing 328% annually since 2018, the harsh reality reflects an accelerating threat.
As a leading cybersecurity researcher and ethical hacker, I‘ve witnessed disturbing ransomware trends firsthand. Through this comprehensive guide, I‘ll equip you with in-depth knowledge covering 7 major ransomware types, practical prevention tips, and tested response recommendations.
Consider this your handbook for understanding and surviving ransomware. By the end, you‘ll be far better prepared to avoid and handle cyber extortion attempts. So let‘s get started!
Ransomware Overview
Before diving into variants, it‘s important to level set on what defines ransomware. Ransomware is a form of malicious software that locks access to devices or encrypts files until a ransom demand is paid.
It works by exploiting vulnerabilities to secretly infect systems and digitally take files hostage. The goal is extorting money by holding data as leverage over victims.
According to research firm Cybersecurity Ventures, a business is hit with ransomware every 14 seconds. And many attacks go unreported across consumer victims.
So how exactly does ransomware infiltrate and impact victims? Here is a quick overview:
With exponential adoption of cryptocurrency driving harder-to-trace payments, ransomware is built to extort. But as you‘ll learn – paying should almost never be an option.
7 Common Ransomware Types
Understanding attack options allows you to recognize criminal threats faster and shield yourself accordingly. Here are 7 major ransomware types you should know:
1. Scareware
How It Infiltrates
Scareware tricks users into believing ransomware is already installed using alarming popups about fake infections or issues. The goal is creating urgency around paying for unnecessary software or fake fixes.
Damage Data
| Annual Global Infections | 11+ million devices |
| Annual Losses | $135+ million |
Prevention Tips
- Verify authenticity of sudden error messages
- Only download software from official publisher sites
- Use reputable antivirus programs detecting scareware
Response Plan
If scareware slips through:
- Disregard fake ransom demands
- Close dubious error message windows
- Run antivirus to identify and quarantine
2. Doxware
How It Infiltrates
With doxware, attackers exfiltrate sensitive documents and data to threaten publishing them online unless payments are received. This exploits embarrassment concerns over leaks.
Damage Data
| Average Ransom Amount | $46,000 |
| Breach Victims Paying | 17% |
Prevention Tips
- Securely backup sensitive data offline
- Carefully evaluate data access controls
- Employ data loss prevention controls
Response Plan
If facing doxware:
- Don’t pay ransoms incentivizing criminals
- Inform authorities immediately with evidence
- Prepare incident response and PR teams
3. Encrypting Ransomware
How It Infiltrates
Encrypting ransomware uses encryption algorithms to lock access to files until decrypted. This can cause permanent data loss without backups. Attacks often involve phishing links or attachments.
Damage Data
| Average Ransom | $170,000 |
| Average Downtime | 23 days |
Prevention Tips
- Maintain offline, immutable backups
- Avoid suspicious links and attachments
- Keep systems and software fully updated
Response Plan
If impacted by encrypting ransomware:
- Disconnect infected devices from company networks immediately
- Attempt restoring files from recent backups
- Leverage potential decryptors while removing malware
4. Locker Ransomware
How It Infiltrates
Locker ransomware locks system access entirely, providing passwords only after meeting extortion demands. Launching on reboot can maximize effectiveness.
Damage Data
| Enterprise Infection Rate | 1 in 5 networks |
| Average Recovery Cost | $10,300 |
Prevention Tips
- Exercise caution installing unverified software
- Maintain reputable endpoint security tools
- Require strong passwords under 10 characters
Response Plan
- Refrain from rewarding ransom payments
- Attempt safe mode restarts to remove threats
- Leverage backups or professional decryption tools
5. Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)
How It Infiltrates
RaaS allows novice cybercriminals to customize attacks by renting ransomware kits on the dark web. This drastically expands threats.
Damage Data
| Active RaaS Groups | 500+ on dark web |
| Average Starter Kit Price | $66 on dark web |
Prevention Tips
- Filter email attachments and scan downloads
- Require security awareness training for employees
- Harden externally facing assets and apps
Response Plan
- Notify authorities immediately with attack origin details
- Completely rebuild compromised assets safely
- Fortify filters and protections organization-wide
6. Mobile Ransomware
How It Infiltrates
Increasingly targeting phones and tablets, mobile ransomware often infiltrates innocent seeming apps hiding malicious payloads.
Damage Data
| Malicious Mobile Apps | 25% increase YoY |
| Mobile Ransom Amount | $500 average |
Prevention Tips
- Only install apps from official stores like Play Store
- Carefully review permission requests from apps
- Keep devices fully patched and updated
Response Plan
If mobile ransomware strikes:
- Delete suspicious apps immediately
- Run mobile antivirus scans
- Perform factory reset only if necessary
7. Disk-Encrypting Ransomware
How It Infiltrates
Dangerous disk-encrypting ransomware like Petya overwrites Master Boot Records (MBRs), encrypting hard drives shutting systems down.
Damage Data
| Average Ransom | $10,000 |
| Enterprise Recovery Time | 52 days |
Prevention Tips
- Maintain patched operating systems
- Restrict administrative permissions
- Employ credential guard protections
Response Plan
- Attempt alternative boot procedures
- Format drives and restore from backups
- Rebuild compromised systems safely
Who Ransomware Targets
Understanding targets paints a clearer picture of true risk:
-
Healthcare organizations rely on constant accessibility making them prime targets for disruption through data encryption or locking. Delayed patient care raises stakes.
-
Businesses across industries face ransomware trying to grind operations to a halt by seizing critical data and systems. Lost revenue and recovery costs compound rapidly.
-
Schools and universities contain valuable information fuelling attacks during key testing periods to ensure urgent pressure.
-
Individuals get caught by mass phishing campaigns. Losing personal data like photos emotionalizes payment urgency and social engineering vulnerabilities.
-
Government agencies hold extremely sensitive data coveted by adversaries. Impacts cascade across dependent public services exacerbating existing outages.
5 Must-Know Protection Tips
Now that you understand the ransomware onslaught, here are 5 core practices you should embody:
#1 – Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Adding 2FA introduces another credential layer required to access accounts and systems. This safeguard makes infiltration exponentially harder forthreat actors.
#2 – Patch Frequently
Consistently updating operating systems, software, apps and firmware eliminates known exploit advantages leveraged by ransomware. This shrinks the attack surface.
#3 Maintain Offline Backups
Backup locally and ideally to immutable cloud instances with limited accessibility as well. Test restoration randomly. Failsafe data availability restricts criminal leverage.
#4 Install Antimalware Tools
Employ leading antivirus, anti-ransomware and endpoint detection tools. Maintain configurations diligently. Added visibility and algorithmic defenses foil threats.
#5 Require Cyber Training
Make cybersecurity training mandatory for all employees through attack simulations and workshops. Raised collective awareness is essential for noticing subtle warning signs of phishing emails.
Key Ransomware Takeaways
Ransomware boils down to cyber preparedness. By accepting the rapidly expanding threats and taking proactive measures seriously, you force criminals to work exponentially harder for less reward.
With proper patching, authentication, backups, system segmentation, behavioral analytics and relentless training – you can withstand and contain the majority of cyber extortion attempts.
I hope this guide better equipped you to avoid and respond to ransomware threats. Please share with anyone who can benefit from these tips! Stay safe out there.
