What Is Ransomware and How Does It Get In?
Malware that locks your files and demands payment. Here is how it usually gets in.
Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts your files and systems, then demands payment for the key to unlock them. Modern ransomware groups also steal a copy of your data first and threaten to publish it, so paying does not make the problem go away. Most infections start with a person, not a flaw in your firewall.
How ransomware gets in
- Phishing. An employee opens an attachment or clicks a link that installs a loader. Still the most common entry point. See what is phishing.
- Stolen or reused credentials. A password from a previous breach is used to log in to remote access or email that has no multi-factor authentication.
- Unpatched systems. Known vulnerabilities in firewalls, VPN appliances and servers that were never updated.
- Exposed remote access. Remote Desktop left open to the internet.
- Vendors and partners. A compromised supplier with access to your network.
What happens once it is inside
Attackers rarely encrypt immediately. They spend days or weeks moving through the network, elevating privileges, locating backups to delete, and copying data out. Then they encrypt everything at once, often on a weekend or holiday when nobody is watching. This gap is why 24/7 monitoring and endpoint detection matter: there is a window to catch it.
Why small and mid-sized businesses are targets
They have money, data and downtime they cannot afford, with fewer defenses than an enterprise. Attacks are automated, so size is not protection.
What to do about it
Prevention is a layered set of controls, laid out in how to prevent ransomware. If you are reading this because it has already happened, go to what to do after a ransomware attack and call for help now.
Mentis Group provides ransomware prevention and removal across Dallas-Fort Worth as part of our Enhanced Cybersecurity services.
For a longer look at this topic, read Ransomware Criminals Threaten to Publish Data of Businesses That Don't Pay the Ransom on the Mentis Group blog.
Have a question about your own environment? Schedule a consultation with Mentis Group or call (866) 901-7808.