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Ransomware is a cyber-attack that locks down and encrypts data, demanding a monetary payment to unlock it. This malware threat has been around for years, but has recently gained significant traction because of recent high-profile attacks in the public eye.

The attacks, including the one on the Colonial Pipeline that briefly skyrocketed gas prices and the one that demanded $40 Million from CNA Financial, demonstrate the need for robust cybersecurity postures. They also highlight the need to keep current on updates for all systems and devices, especially those that have not been proactively patched.

There are multiple phases to a ransomware attack: preparation, infection, and deployment. Preparation is when the attackers prepare the attack, which may involve disabling security software and deleting backup files. Once the attack is launched, the attack proceeds to encrypt and lock systems and files, which can stop productivity.

Once an attack is detected, there are several steps that must be taken to respond. One option is to restore from backups, which is usually the best choice, but can lead to lost productivity. The other is to pay the ransom, but this doesn’t guarantee data recovery and it funds criminal activity.

Another option is to contact law enforcement, which can help with available decryption keys and launch an investigation into the attack. But this can take time, which further delays recovery and exacerbates the financial impact of the attack. Regardless of the approach, the most important step is to contain the attack.