BotNet News

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files and demands payment to restore access. Attackers typically demand payment in hard-to-trace digital currencies like Bitcoin to avoid detection.

When ransomware first emerged as a threat, small criminal gangs would infect individuals with ransomware through malicious email attachments and demand a few hundred dollars to decrypt personal data. As attackers evolved their capabilities, they began targeting larger businesses and even critical infrastructure organizations to steal credentials, find vulnerabilities, and exfiltrate data for double extortion.

As attacks continue to evolve, many cybersecurity professionals believe that ransomware is here to stay. As a result, companies must adopt proactive measures to protect against this threat including educating employees, updating systems, and deploying zero-trust frameworks.

When a company is infected with ransomware, the first step in the containment process is to isolate the affected device. This is done by disabling network access, disconnecting devices, or powering down if needed. Next, the affected system must be analyzed to identify the origin. This can be done by reviewing alerts generated by antivirus/antimalware, EDR, or other monitoring platforms.

Once the source is identified, it’s important to notify law enforcement. This isn’t just to ensure that the attack is reported, but also to help limit the spread of the infection. In addition, it’s likely that law enforcement will be able to provide valuable insight into the attacker’s tactics, which could be helpful in reducing the impact of future attacks.