UNDERSTANDING THREATS

Staying Protected from Ransomware

Ransomware Protection

What is Ransomware

How it Works

Types of Attacks

How to Detect it

Solutions

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that encrypts a victim’s files or data and demands a ransom payment in exchange for restoring access to the files or data.

In other words, it is a form of cyber extortion where the attacker holds the victim’s data hostage and demands payment, usually in the form of cryptocurrency, in order to unlock the files and restore access.

Ransomware typically spreads through various means, such as email attachments, infected websites, or compromised software. Once it infects a system, it encrypts files and displays a ransom note or message, often with a timer or a threat to delete the files if the ransom is not paid within a certain timeframe.

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How Does it Work?

Bad guys create ransomware themselves or buy/lease it from cybercriminals

Malware digitally encrypts all IT systems and data possible

Cybercriminals use social engineering to gain access to your networks or systems

Attackers use your encrypted sensitive data as leverage to force you to pay a ransom

Types of Ransomware Attacks

Encrypting Ransomware

This is the most common type of ransomware attack. It encrypts the victim’s files or data using strong encryption algorithms, rendering them inaccessible without the decryption key, which the attackers hold hostage.

Locker Ransomware

These attacks lock the victims out of their system or device, preventing them from accessing their files, applications, or even the entire system.

MBR Ransomware

These attacks lock the victims out of their system or device, preventing them from accessing their files, applications, or even the entire system.

Mobile Ransomware

This ransomware targets mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, usually through malicious apps or infected links. Mobile ransomware can encrypt files or lock the device screen, demanding payment to regain access.

DDoS Ransomware

Websites or online services are targeted, flooding them with traffic to overwhelm their servers and make them inaccessible to users.

Doxware or Leakware

This type of ransomware not only encrypts files but also threatens to publish or leak sensitive information, such as personal data, intellectual property, or confidential documents, unless the ransom is paid.

How to Detect Ransomware

Minimize ransomware vulnerability by educating employees about cybersecurity risks and best practices, and implementing robust security protocols.

Does the link or attachment look unfamiliar or suspicious?

Do you notice abnormal file behavior?

Is there unusual network traffic?

Are you experiencing unexpected popups or

ransom notes?

Are you suddenly not able to access a file?

Have you been locked out of a system or device?

RANSOMWARE BUNDLE

Backed by Talos

With a team of top-tier researchers, analysts, and engineers, Cisco Talos boasts the title of the world’s largest commercial threat intelligence unit. Their industry-leading visibility, actionable intelligence, and vulnerability research enables them to promptly detect and shield Cisco customers from both established and emerging threats.P

AMP for Endpoints

Cisco Advanced Malware Protection for Endpoints stops ransomware files from taking your system hostage. While you can’t completely prevent risky cyber behavior, you can enhance the security of your endpoints.

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Cisco Umbrella

Leverages indicators derived from multiple sources, and when phishing is detected, Cisco Umbrella will block phishing at the IP and domain level as well as analyze risky domains in the Intelligent Proxy.

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KnowBe4

Fully integrated into Office 365 for complete visibility into inbound, outbound, and internal messages. It addresses gaps and blocks advanced email threats with superior threat intelligence.

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Cloud Mailbox Defense

Fully integrated into Office 365 for complete visibility into inbound, outbound, and internal messages. It addresses gaps and blocks advanced email threats with superior threat intelligence.

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Cisco Secure Email

Your best defense against phishing, business email compromise (BEC), malware, and ransomware. It protects against malware in attachments and combats malicious links.

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Managed XDR

Cisco Cloud Email Security with Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) blocks ransomware delivered through spam and phishing emails. It even identifies malicious attachments and URLs.

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