Ransomware attacks follow a unique trajectory, separated into distinct stages that collectively ensure the attack’s effectiveness. Understanding these phases in detail not only lets you understand the operational patterns of cybercriminals but also assists in creating effective counter-strategies.
Below is a guide to the sequential phases of a ransomware attack:
Distribution mechanism
In the progression of a ransomware attack, the first stage involves effectively injecting the ransomware payload into the victim’s system. This is achieved through sophisticated distribution channels such as social engineering, malicious websites, and exploit kits, each built to sidestep conventional defences.
- Social Engineering: Attackers coax individuals into compromising their security with actions like opening malicious email attachments or clicking on dangerous links. Utilizing well-constructed phishing emails, they exploit human tendencies like curiosity or fear to spread malware.
- Malicious Websites: By setting up or compromising websites to host ransomware, attackers trick users into visiting these infected domains. Using deceitful links, users are misled into downloading what appears to be legitimate software, which is actually malware.
- Exploit Kits: These advanced tools allow attackers to find and leverage system vulnerabilities. When a vulnerability is found, exploit kits deliver the ransomware straight into the system without needing any user action.
Injection of malware
Following its initial distribution, the ransomware reaches the infection stage initiated by unsuspecting users with actions like clicking a harmful link, navigating to a compromised site, or opening a malware-laden file.
At this point, the ransomware leverages existing system weaknesses to encrypt particular data types, effectively seizing control and laying the groundwork for encryption.
Preparing the system
In the initial phase following infiltration, the ransomware starts laying the groundwork for locking down the system. It begins by disabling system recovery functions, such as system restore points and backups, rendering data recovery without meeting the ransom demands extremely challenging.
Additionally, the malware starts to take measures to ensure its persistence on the system even after the computer restarts. This is achieved through modifications to system processes, including the creation of registry keys, scheduling tasks, or altering boot procedures, guaranteeing it can remain active regardless of what the user does.
Surveying the network
Once in control of the system, the ransomware expands its influence by meticulously scanning the network for additional targets.
This systematic reconnaissance is intended to map out the network, identifying connected devices, shared networks, and other interconnected systems that may be vulnerable to compromise. Concurrently, it conducts a system-wide search for valuable digital assets, such as personal logs, proprietary business data, or any critical information that could be useful to encrypt.
Encrypting data
Transitioning to the next crucial phase, the ransomware will start to employ advanced encryption algorithms to secure the identified valuable data.
This encryption is intentionally designed to be impregnable without the specific decryption key, effectively barring the victim from accessing their own information. The selection of data for encryption is strategic, targeting vital information or data of substantial value to ensure the maximum disruptive impact.
Ransom demand sent
The peak of the ransomware attack is marked by the delivery of the ransom demand to the victim. This demand is usually made known via a message displayed on the affected device, outlining the steps required for payment.
Cryptocurrency is usually the preferred medium for this transaction since it can preserve the criminal’s anonymity and can’t be tracked. The attackers will offer the decryption key necessary to recover the encrypted data in exchange for payment, although receiving this key is never a guarantee.
Important steps to take to avoid a ransomware attack
- Implement strategic monitoring and detection protocols:
Being able to detect the presence of malware even before it has managed to fully impact a system is arguably the most important step you should take. While this might take up a broad approach to security hardening, the most important element is to ensure that you have systems in place to recognize and respond to network activities that may lead to larger issues.
Implementing solutions like SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools is a great way to help organizations identify when malicious activities are present and help them to address them appropriately.
It’s also important to plan for the worst-case scenario when it comes to ransomware. In the event of a successful ransomware attack, it’s important to be able to limit the damage it can cause and cut off its ability to spread.
An effective way to do this is by creating network segmentation while distributing your critical systems and databases across various networked paths, making it difficult, if not impossible, for your entire system to become compromised at once.
- Remain vigilant against phishing attempts: An important way to defend against ransomware lies in having a knowledgeable employee base. Offering consistent cybersecurity education empowers staff to recognize and respond to threats like phishing attempts or malicious websites.
Ransomware frequently finds its way into systems through malicious emails. It’s crucial to instruct your team to approach every unexpected email with caution, particularly those containing attachments or links.
These training sessions should involve fundamental online safety principles, including secure password best practices and strategies for ensuring safe internet usage in or out of the office.
Urge your staff to confirm the sender’s legitimacy before opening any attachments or links from unknown sources. - Maintain up-to-date software systems: Updating everyday software can help save you from dangerous security vulnerabilities to a ransomware attack. It is important to keep the whole software set – from the operating system to applications – always up to date. Leveraging automation for update processes can also ensure consistent updates and make sure you always have the strongest defences in place.
- Engaging in tabletop exercises: Recognizing that no system is entirely immune to ransomware threats underlines the necessity for a comprehensive disaster recovery strategy. Central to this strategy is taking a proactive approach to help your teams train properly.
You can assess your teams’ response to certain breaches by running mock exercises that mimic actual attacks. This gives you the ability to identify gaps in processes as well as to gauge how long it can and will take to recover.
This approach is critical in ensuring the ability to quickly recover data in the event of a breach, minimising the impact on operations and decreasing the likelihood of significant data loss. - Regularly perform security and third party risk evaluations: To preempt potential security breaches, conducting consistent security audits and evaluations of your third party’s security protocols is essential. The integrity of your data can be at risk if this party system is ever breached.
By regularly assessing both your security measures and those of your third parties, you can ensure a much wider defense against evolving threats, safeguarding both your and your partners’ data integrity.
Safeguard your organisation from ransomware
A deeper understanding of how ransomware operates and a proactive approach can help keep your organization safe and prepared to respond to a breach. Essential to this defense are regular software updates, continuous security and vendor evaluations, and a comprehensive approach to disaster recovery planning.
These elements play a pivotal role in reducing the vulnerability to ransomware attacks and minimizing the consequences of data breaches.
Nazy Fouladirad
Nazy Fouladirad is President and COO of Tevora, a global leading cybersecurity consultancy. She has dedicated her career to creating a more secure business and online environment for organizations across the country and world. She is passionate about serving her community and acts as a board member for a local nonprofit organization.
