Ransomware Attack - an Innovative, Secure, and Efficient Approach

A ransomware attack is one of many forms of cybercrime that have increased dramatically in recent years. Cyber criminals are targeting companies and organizations of all sizes, from billion-dollar corporations to dental practices. Ransomware actors exploit every vulnerability, no matter how small. This is an extremely threatening form of cyberattack that can have a significant financial, operational, and reputational impact.


Ransomware Attack: That's Behind It

Ransomware is a type of malware that aims to block access to computer systems or encrypt files to extort a ransom from the victims. In return, this type of cyber extortion aims to restore the files or release access. The ransomware blocks access to individual files or the entire computer by blocking the user interface or encrypting systems.

If individual files are affected, we speak of crypto ransomware. If access to the desktop or essential control elements, such as virtual machines, is blocked, this is called a locker ransomware virus. In addition to computers, smartphones and tablets can also be affected if they are operated via the company network. Networking multiple devices simplifies such ransomware attacks and increases the attack surface immensely.

In modern ransomware attacks, payments are requested exclusively in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Monero, or Ethereum in order to preserve the anonymity of the perpetrators and facilitate payments.

How Ransomware Attacks Work

Ransomware can penetrate computer systems in various ways, for example via

  • Phishing emails
  • Malicious websites
  • Infected downloads or attachments
Once the malware has successfully infiltrated the system, the cyber criminals can start encrypting files and access at any time. The victims are then confronted with a ransom demand asking them to pay a specific amount of cryptocurrency to the attackers within a certain period of time. Victims are then faced with the difficult decision of whether to pay the ransom in the hope of getting their data back, or to refuse the demand and potentially lose their files permanently. This decision can have a significant impact on the duration of the business interruption at the company.

How Can a Ransomware Attack be Detected?

Recognizing a ransomware attack is crucial to enable a rapid response and limit damage.

These signs indicate that a ransomware attack has taken place:

  1. Sudden file encryption: If you notice that many of your files suddenly can no longer be opened or a new file extension has been added, this could be a sign of a ransomware attack.

  2. Changes to file names or content: If file names or the contents of your files have been changed unexpectedly, this could also indicate a ransomware infection.

  3. Ransom note: If you see a message on your screen informing you that your data has been encrypted and you need to pay a ransom to restore access, this may also be a malware attack.

  4. Unusual network activity: If you notice unusually high network activity or observe suspicious connections to unknown servers, there is a possibility that your data is being encrypted by ransomware.

  5. Increased CPU usage: If the hard disk or the main processor shows higher activity than usual, this may be due to ransomware software working in the background.

Ransomware Attack - What to Do?

It depends on how advanced the ransomware attack is and what type of malware it is. First and foremost, however, keep calm and rely on experts.

Instead, companies should rely on preventive measures to prevent ransomware attacks and urgently seek the support of specialists in the event of an attack.

The following measures can help to protect against ransomware attacks in advance:

  • Carry out regular backups of data
  • Always keep software up to date
  • Use security software
  • Critically check emails with attachments from unknown senders
  • Develop a crisis manual that clearly regulates the roles and responsibilities in the company's departments in the event of cyber extortion
  • Conduct crisis team training on the topic of cyber attacks
  • Darknet monitoring to quickly identify information that has already been leaked, such as email addresses and passwords

Raising awareness and training employees in companies is also crucial to reduce potential points of attack and improve security. Training and e-learning is a valuable way to create more awareness and alertness of ransomware attacks within the organization. However, through proactive security measures and education, organizations can improve their chances of preventing or successfully responding to a ransomware attack.


Effective Cyber Defense and Consistent Solutions

Resisting ransomware attacks and regaining control - we are at your side preventively and reactively.

Have you been the victim of a ransomware attack? We act as internationally trained crisis managers and are specialists in negotiating with criminals.

Do you still have questions? Feel free to contact us - your security is our business.