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Ransomware is a form of malware that works by blocking access to the device or data that is stored on the device, usually by encrypting files on the device. Ransomware can find its way into a device through many avenues including malicious email attachments, phishing, and inadequately secured RDP sessions. Once ransomware enters a device, it will attempt to propagate through the network and, depending on the sophistication of the ransomware and the attacker, identify the most valuable data or files to be encrypted or look for backups to encrypt them as well. Once this reconnaissance is completed, the encryption will begin and the attacker will demand a ransom, typically in crypt-currency like Bit-coin, to provide decryption keys. This process may not be quick – the encryption phase may commence 3 months after the initial infection.
Ransomware operators have also begun to steal data before encrypting it to apply additional pressure on victims to pay the ransom through
Double Extortion – The attacker threatens to release the exfiltrated data if the ransom is not paid Triple Extortion – The attacker contacts the victim’s clients and informs them that their data has been stolen and will be released if they or the victim does not pay the ransom
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RaaS – Ransomware Sauce Added To The SaaS Recipe?
To understand Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) and how it impacts Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) we must first understand ransomware and Software as a Service (SaaS) and how these intersect.
How do you deal with ransomware?
Dealing with ransomware starts by staying calm and not paying the ransom, since there’s no guarantee attackers will restore your files. First, disconnect the infected system from the network to stop the spread. Then run a trusted antivirus or anti-malware tool to remove the ransomware. Restore data from clean backups if available. Finally, update security patches, train employees on safe practices, and consider professional help to strengthen defenses against future attacks.
RaaS Is A Nightmare For SMBs?
Before the RaaS model was developed, ransomware developers would prefer attacking large companies as the ransom collected would have to be large enough to justify their effort and risk in developing and deploying the ransomware. Development of ransomware required great skill which limited the number of ransomware developers and therefore the number of attacks. Under the RaaS model, the attack can be carried out by an affiliate who has no coding knowledge, which significantly increases the number of attackers. It now becomes profitable for ransomware operators to attack a large number of smaller victims which opens the floodgates to attacks on SMBs, which is supported by attack statistics: the USA reports that 50-70% of all ransomware attacks target SMBs. This is a nightmare for SMBs because the disruption caused by a ransomware attack may be sufficient to shut down operations.
Ransomware as a Service (RaaS)?
Ransomware is quite complex and not easy to develop, especially as businesses are ramping up their protection against ransomware and therefore ransomware developers have to increase the sophistication of the ransomware to evade enterprise defences. Continuous development of ransomware leaves the developers with little time to search for suitable victims and carry out attacks. They have therefore applied the SaaS delivery model to ransomware to create Ransomware as a Service where the developer provides the ransomware on a subscription or commission basis to affiliates who identify potential victims and carry out attacks. RaaS offerings can be very sophisticated with developers advertising their offerings on the dark web and offering dashboards for the affiliates to use to monitor their attacks. Some RaaS providers even include Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks and voice-scrambled VoIP calls to the victim’s business partners and the media as part of their service to increase pressure on the victim to pay the ransom. From the threat actors’ point of view, this is a superior model as division of labour creates specialisation, increases productivity, and improves return on investment. However, this is bad news for victims especially for SMBs.
Anti-ransomware Measures?
There are two types of anti-ransomware measures that you can implement to stop ransomware: Management/Organisational Initiatives – These include formulating a cybersecurity policy, maintaining pasword hygiene, and educating users against cyberattacks Technology Solutions – These involve using cybersecurity, like K7 Endpoint Security (K7 EPS), that is designed to detect and defeat ransomware Our earlier blog Cyber-hygienic Healthcare – Preventing Digital Infections has a detailed discussion on the Management/Organisational initiatives that will need to be implemented. This blog will discuss the technology aspects of ransomware and how K7 Endpoint Security works to identify and block this cyberthreat.
How Ransomware Works?
There are different flavours of ransomware but they all attempt to block your access to your data and devices, and demand a ransom to restore access. They block access by encrypting data. Some ransomware look for and encrypt files, such as Word or Excel documents, that are present on the device and some encrypt the Master Boot Record (MBR) to prevent the OS from loading.
Things You Should Know About Ransomware As A Service (RaaS)?
Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) is a growing cybercrime model where ransomware developers lease out their tools to other attackers, making it easier for even low-skilled criminals to launch high-impact attacks. This has led to a surge in ransomware incidents, often involving double extortion tactics—encrypting data and threatening to leak it unless a ransom is paid. Traditional security measures aren't enough to stop these evolving threats. That’s why businesses turn to cybersecurity providers like SafeAeon, which offers 24/7 threat detection, ransomware prevention, and expert-managed security services to help organizations stay protected and resilient against RaaS attacks.
What is ransom ware?
Ransomware is a form of malware that depending on how it's designed, it can deny its victim access to their personal data or their entire computer (thus holding it hostage) unless certain criteria were met, thus giving the term ransomware.
Can Norton remove ransom malware?
Norton antivirus software can help detect and remove some types of ransomware, but its effectiveness may vary depending on the specific strain of malware. It's important to note that prevention is key, as ransomware often encrypts files, making recovery difficult even after removal. Norton can assist in protecting against ransomware through real-time protection and regular updates but may not guarantee recovery of encrypted files. For severe cases, specialized ransomware recovery tools and professional assistance may be necessary.
How K7 Protects Against Ransomware?
K7 protects against ransomware by using multiple layers of defense. Its real-time protection blocks malicious files before they can run, while advanced behavior monitoring detects suspicious activity like unauthorized file encryption. K7 also regularly updates its threat database, helping it identify new ransomware variants quickly. In addition, features such as safe browsing, email scanning, and system vulnerability checks reduce the chances of ransomware reaching your device in the first place. Together, these measures keep users safe from both known and emerging ransomware attacks.
Is the nsa ransomeware real?
Yes, NSA ransomware is real, as it refers to ransomware that may exploit vulnerabilities or tools reportedly developed by the National Security Agency (NSA). Cybercriminals can use these exploits to carry out attacks, encrypting victims' data and demanding ransom for its release. It's important for individuals and organizations to stay vigilant, maintain robust cybersecurity measures, and keep software updated to protect against such threats.
What is ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malware, which restricts users from accessing their own PCs / laptops. It is observed to be spreading through a computer worm and email attachments. Generally, it infects the system and demands some form of compensation (or ransom) in order to remove the restriction.
