Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to business today. The malware encrypts data, making it impossible to access without paying a ransom.

It’s a cyberattack that originated on personal computers but soon evolved to target businesses. Every organization must understand how to stop ransomware from attacking their systems.

What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is malware that blackmails computer users by encrypting their data or entire computer system, making it impossible to access until they pay a ransom. It’s one of the most common types of cyber attacks.

In the 21st century, extortion-based cybercriminals have become a global threat. Using a sophisticated technology known as cryptozoology; they can encrypt the victim’s data and threaten to publish it or block their system if the victim doesn’t pay up.

There are several types of ransomware, but the two most prevalent are encryptors and screen lockers. An encryptor encrypts data, while a screen locker blocks access to the computer by appearing on a user’s desktop.

The encryptor may use asymmetric encryption, such as RSA or AES. Its encrypted data is only decrypted with a key that the attacker has sent the victim. The attacker will likely send multiple keys or a destructive decryption utility, making a recovery impossible.

Even if the attackers provide a decryptor that works, it may be incompatible with the victim’s operating system or corrupt some files. Some of these files may be useless, while some are irreplaceable.

A successful ransomware attack can have a devastating impact on your organization and the security of your systems. But if you’re prepared, your business can recover quickly and successfully. You can protect your business against ransomware and other malware threats with the right tools, such as a robust endpoint and network protection solution.

How Do Ransomware Attacks Happen?

A ransomware attack happens when an attacker steals or infects a computer with malware that encrypts the victim’s files and data. This encryption locks the data and requires payment to decrypt it. This malware can also encrypt entire systems, disrupting business and losing productivity.

Ransomware attacks are a typical cyberattack that has become increasingly popular over the past few years. They are usually spread through social engineering and phishing emails that infect users with malicious links or attachments.

In many cases, these attacks are used by criminal groups to extort money from victims. They typically request payment in a digital currency like bitcoin to remain anonymous and evade detection.

Although most ransomware attacks happen on individual computers, they increasingly target businesses. Ransomware attacks on businesses increased by 88% in the second half of 2018.

So, how should ransomware attack prevention be? To prevent such an attack from happening to your organization, it is essential to understand how it works and what steps you can take to mitigate risk. Continuous data backups can minimize the damage that an attack may cause.

Another way to help prevent a ransomware attack is to educate your employees on the risks and dangers of such an attack. This is particularly important for small businesses with limited resources. Having a plan for how you will respond when a ransomware attack occurs is also a good idea.

What Are the Different Types of Ransomware Attacks?

There are several types of ransomware attacks, each with unique characteristics. Some encrypt specific file types, while others lock users out of their systems entirely. Some also demand money to get their files back.

A common form of ransomware is called extortion ransomware. This malware encrypts files and then threatens to publish sensitive data unless victims pay a certain amount of money. This attack is particularly damaging because it can lead to identity theft or financial losses.

Another popular form of ransomware is locker ransomware, which doesn’t encrypt files but instead locks users out of their systems. The malware displays a ransom note with a countdown clock and demands payment for a decryption key.

Crypto ransomware is the most common type of ransomware, and it encrypts all or some files on a computer. This variant is often more sophisticated than locker ransomware and can infect shared networked and cloud drives.

The best way to prevent ransomware is to use real-time alerting and blocking to automatically identify encryption behaviors at the earliest stage before users or endpoints are allowed access to file storage systems. This is done by strategically planting hidden files on file storage systems to detect read/write behaviors that indicate encryption.

Other types of ransomware include drive-by-download attacks, which spread through fake or compromised websites. These infections are especially prevalent on mobile devices and in HR departments, where employees often have access to corporate networks.

What Can I Do to Prevent a Ransomware Attack?

Ransomware is one of the most damaging attacks, and no company wants to choose between paying a ransom or losing data. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of infection and protect your data.

The first step is to ensure your IT infrastructure is secure and that employees are trained to identify threats like ransomware and phishing emails. This helps to limit the chance of users opening an infected attachment.

Another important strategy is to keep essential files protected in a safe location. Having backups prevents valuable data loss and makes it easier to restore during an attack.

Additionally, it is important to patch your systems regularly. Having the latest patches for your system and critical software programs can reduce the chances of a cyber-criminal finding a loophole that allows them to install malware on your system.

Finally, consider implementing security tool alerts and user and entity behavior analytics tools to monitor suspicious activity within your network. This can help your team respond more quickly to an attack before it escalates and impacts your business.

It is also essential to understand the different types of ransomware and what they do. For example, Ryuk is a targeted ransomware variant delivered via spear phishing emails or compromised user credentials to log into enterprise systems. This variant encrypts specific files and then demands a ransom for a decryptor key.