Definition of ransomware:Ransomware refers to a type of cyber threat where attackers exploit a victim's data or critical infrastructure and demand a monetary ransom. In recent years, ransomware attacks have become more prevalent and sophisticated, evolving into an underground economy. Cybercriminals are motivated by financial gain, as many victims opt to pay the ransom out of desperation to retrieve their data.
During this phase, the attacker gains unauthorized access to the victim's environment. Common methods used include phishing, the use of pirated software, brute force attacks, exploiting vulnerabilities, and stealing credentials.
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In this phase, the attacker solidifies their position by elevating their privileges and moving laterally within the victim's environment. They aim to gain control over more systems and expand their reach. Common methods include exploiting known vulnerabilities, deploying malware, and establishing persistence.
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During this phase, the attacker either steals the victim's data or restricts access to critical systems, preparing for the ransom demand. They may locally deploy malware to endpoints, employ defense evasion techniques, and encrypt business-critical files.
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In the final phase, the attacker contacts the victim, makes their ransom demands, and takes action accordingly. This can involve communication through messaging software, with payments typically requested in cryptocurrency to hinder tracking and tracing.
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