Ransomware

Understanding Ransomware

Ransomware is one of the most pressing cybersecurity threats for both individuals and organizations in today's digital world. The first step to facing it effectively is establishing a firm grasp of the basics.

Skull and crossbones on a chip in a red glowing motherboard

Malware that encrypts or restricts access to files on a system, demanding a ransom (usually in cryptocurrency) to retrieve a key that will restore access to your data.

Ransomware’s entry points into your network are not unique. Like many types of attacks, it can arrive in email attachments, phishing emails, watering hole attacks, drive-by downloads and more.

Keep all of your apps, OS, and AV software updated with the latest patches, avoid clicking on links or attachments that seem suspicious, maintain stringent user identity – all while maintaining a consistent backup of your system in case of a breach.

Ideally, you have a full system backup to restore your files – but even if you don’t there’s still hope. Make sure your security manager is notified and call your local law enforcement. You may also be in luck if the ransomware you have been infected with has been reverse engineered and is on services such as No More Ransom!

Cyber professionals say no, paying ransom demands encourages more attacks and there’s no guarantee you will regain access to locked files or prevent data from appearing for sale on the dark web.

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The Heavy Toll of Ransomware

$265B

predicted global ransomware cost to victims annually by 2031

There is a new attack on a consumer or business every 2 seconds as attackers progressively refine extortion activities.

Cybercrime Magazine

136.3 TB

worth of stolen data was recorded

with an average of 10 TB per month and 518 GB per incident.

ENISA Threat Landscape for Ransomware Attacks 2022

25%

of all breaches involved ransomware

Year-over-year attacks increased by 13%, a jump greater than the past 5 years combined.

Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report 2022

70%

of IT leaders have witnessed a ransomware attack

Surveyed leaders understand it’s not a question of if, but when, ransomware will attack a network.

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Layered Security Is Your Best Defense

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Shore Up Endpoint Protection

Traditional endpoint protection relying on malware signatures is not enough against ransomware threats. WatchGuard Endpoint Security includes a series of capabilities that help to prevent, detect and respond to sophisticated cyberattacks with behavioral detection, RDP protection, anti-phishing, decoy files, shadow copies, computer isolation, threat hunting, and more.

Monitor and Respond to Neutralize Ransomware >

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Strengthen Your Gateway

Blocking ransomware at the gateway before it spreads to different parts of your network is the best way to keep the bulk of your organization safe against these attacks. WatchGuard network security technologies provide layered security controls such as DNS filtering, gateway antivirus, AI-powered anti-malware, and sandboxing for superior defense against ransomware.

Ensure the Safety of Your Network >

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Tighten User Identity Controls

Ransomware attacks typically start with the theft of a user credential that gives an attacker access to the network or a sensitive business account. Identity security needs to be the first line of defense against these attacks. The AuthPoint Multi-Factor Authentication service requires additional factors to prove a user’s identity ‒ denying access by user credentials alone to prevent a breach.

Avoid User Credential Breaches with MFA >