How to detect a ransomware attack

Upstream detection to limit losses

Overview of ransomware threats

Ransomware is a type of malware that blocks access to files or encrypts them until victims pay a substantial ransom to cybercriminals. According to CrowdStrike’s Global Security Attitude Survey, companies could receive demands of up to $6 million to recover their digital property.

The cost of ransomware attacks

So, you get the idea, ransomware attacks can cost businesses billions of dollars every year. Unfortunately, CrowdStrike’s threat report showed an 82% increase in ransomware-related data leaks in 2021. 2022 and 2023 see no inflection of this trend.

Maximizing the chances of early detection

Early detection of ransomware in your information system is essential to prevent irreversible damage. It enables victims to take steps to prevent their files from being permanently blocked or encrypted.

How does detection work?

Signature detection

Each piece of malware has a unique signature made up of information such as domain names, IP addresses and other indicators. Signature-based detection uses a library of these signatures to compare them with active files on a machine.

Behavior-based detection

The ransomware behaves in an unusual way: it opens dozens of files and replaces them with encrypted versions. Behavior-based detection can monitor this unusual activity and alert users.

Abnormal traffic detection

Abnormal traffic detection works at network level. Sophisticated ransomware attacks encrypt data for ransom, but they also steal data before encrypting it in more sophisticated attacks.

The incomparable benefits of early detection

Protecting sensitive data

Early detection of ransomware helps you avoid losing your data. In many attacks, victims never recover their original files.

Avoid financial losses

Ransom demands can reach millions of dollars. What’s more, replacing a corrupted system is costly and time-consuming.

Maintaining trust and reputation

In addition to monetary losses, targeted companies could lose their data and the trust of their customers for good, which would obviously be very damaging.

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Responding to a ransomware attack

Steps to take immediately after an attack is detected

When early detection alerts you to a possible attack, you can protect your data by taking immediate action.

Report the attack

If the ransomware compromises your company’s data, you may need to report it to the authorities, including the CNIL under the RGPD.

The dangers of paying ransom

The French authorities (see the ANSSI guide) recommend that ransomware victims refrain from making ransom payments, so as not to provide hacker groups with any additional means or encouragement.

Preparing for future threats

Regular backups and penetration tests

The first step in securing your data is to make regular back-ups, and to have penetration tests carried out by specialized companies (pentesting).

The role of advanced detection systems

The CrowdStrike Falcon® platform can be part of your ransomware protection plan, for example. We can also offer you customized solutions

Educating and training staff

You also need to be prepared for an attack. You can ensure that your security is adequate. Involving your teams and carrying out the necessary training will go a long way to protecting you. Isn’t it said that the most obvious security holes often lie between the chair and the keyboard?

Protect yourself with SOS Ransomware

Faced with the growing threat of ransomware, it’s imperative to surround yourself with experts in the field. SOS Ransomware is your trusted ally to help you navigate these murky waters. If you fall victim to a ransomware attack, don’t panic. Contact us immediately and let our experts guide you through every step to secure your data and your business. Don’t be a victim, be prepared. Trust SOS Ransomware.

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Key points

We have over 20 years’ experience in data recovery. Call on the data recovery leader, our expertise enables us to provide you with a top-level response.

guide : définition ransomware
Understanding

Introduction: what is ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents users from accessing their system or personal files, and demands a ransom to gain access again.
guide : détecter une attaque de ransomware
Evaluate

Detecting a ransomware attack

There are three main methods of detecting ransomware. Detection by signature, detection by behavior, and detection by abnormal traffic.
guide: comment réagir à une attaque de ransomware
The right reflexes

How to react to a ransomware attack?

As soon as you realize that your organization has been infected, there's not a second to lose. Isolating affected systems is the first step in preventing a dramatic spread.
guide: exemples d'attaques ransomware
Case studies

Some examples of ransomware attacks

Ransomware attacks have become one of the most worrying cybersecurity threats, particularly in France, ranked as the 5th most targeted country in 2022.
guide: les menaces ransomware les plus actives
Trends in 2023

What are the most active threats?

While some major groups such as CONTI and REvil have disappeared, others such as LockBit, BlackCat, Hive, and Karakurt experienced exponential growth in 2022.
guide: se protéger des attaques ransomware
Protection

How to protect yourself from a ransomware attack?

One of the best preventive measures against ransomware is to maintain regular backups of all your essential information...