What is ransomware and how can organizations detect it?
Ransomware is a type of malware that stops you from accessing your computer or its data until you pay the hacker a ransom to unlock them. Some signs that a ransomware attack was successful include lots of encrypted files, elevated user privileges on affected computers, removal of backup files, and command line abuse. The current ransomware detection methods are based on network monitoring, endpoint monitoring, and continuous analysis of ransomware via corporate threat detection systems, which utilize multiple detection methodologies.
Introduction
If you followed the news in early 2021, you saw the phrase ransomware threat detection everywhere. Each week, another major company revealed a ransomware attack, but this threat isn’t new. The first large-scale case, the AIDS Trojan, spread by floppy disk in 1989.
NetWitness knows how damaging a security incident can be, so we created this Ransomware FAQ to help. It explains major ransomware types, common distribution methods, and best practices for ransomware detection methods and enterprise-level protection. You’ll also find guidance on advanced threat detection techniques, continuous ransomware investigation, and how a ransomware threat detection service strengthens your overall cybersecurity threat detection strategy.
What is Ransomware? How Does Ransomware Work in Modern Attacks?
Ransomware is a class of malware that, once executed on a victim’s computer, renders the system and/or its data inaccessible until a ransom payment is completed. This is typically achieved by either:
Locker- Prevents the user from using basic system functions, making the computer inoperable. The goal is system denial, not data destruction.
Crypto- Identifies and encrypts entire drives or specific high-value data. Since CryptoLocker in 2013, encryption-based attacks have dominated modern campaigns. Understanding how ransomware works is foundational to effective ransomware threat detection.
What Does Ransomware Cost Companies? Why Ransomware Threat Detection Matters
With improvements in encryption algorithms, the introduction of crypto payments, and easier distribution, the major difference from 1989 to today is financial:
- In 2019, ransomware-related costs surpassed $7.5 billion
- In 2021, medium-sized organizations paid an average of $170,404 per incident
- Requested ransom amounts increased 4,000% between 2018 and 2020
These numbers explain why advanced threat protection and early ransomware threat detection are no longer optional.
High-Profile Attacks: Why Cybersecurity Threat Detection is Critical
In 2021 alone, multiple high-profile attacks resulted in hundreds of millions in losses, reinforcing the need for proactive cybersecurity threat detection and response:
- CNA paid $40 million after a Phoenix CryptoLocker attack impacted 15,000 devices
- Colonial Pipeline was compromised using leaked VPN credentials, disrupting US fuel supply
- JBS USA paid an $11 million Bitcoin ransom following a REvil attack
Each incident highlights the value of continuous monitoring through a unified threat detection platform.
360° Cybersecurity with NetWitness Platform
– Unrivaled visibility into your organization’s data
– Advanced behavioral analytics and threat intelligence
– Threat detections and response actionable with the most complete toolset
How is Ransomware Distributed? Key Indicators for a Threat Detection Platform
From the first widely distributed attacks using a floppy disk to the use of botnets in the mid to late 2000s, ransomware distribution methods have evolved. Modern attackers blend phishing, automated scans, and Ransomware-as-a-Service to evade even the best threat detection platform and ransomware threat detection service.
- Phishing: The most common entry point
- Automated Recon Scans: Identify exposed ports and unpatched systems
- Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS): Toolkits and infrastructure supplied by operators
These delivery methods demand layered ransomware detection methods backed by behavioral analytics.
Stages of a Ransomware Infection: How to Detect a Ransomware Attack
Once a target has been identified, the attack lifecycle can be observed through the following stages. Each stage demands robust threat detection and response:
1. Initial Access / Distribution: Ransomware often starts through drive-by downloads, malicious files, or third-party compromises.
2. Infection: The dropper downloads a malicious executable and deletes itself.
3. Payload Staging: This stage prepares for execution and persistence. Actions include:
- Privilege escalation attempts
- Registry modifications
- Backup deletion
- Recovery tool disablement
- System boot manipulation
- C2 communication
- Network share discovery
4. Scanning: The ransomware scans for files to encrypt, including network and cloud storage.
5. Data Encryption: Files are encrypted using symmetric or asymmetric algorithms. Examples include Curve25519 and Salsa20.
6. Ransom Demand: Notes provide payment instructions and often reuse identifiable traits tied to specific threat groups.
Common Behaviors of Ransomware Families: Key Signals for Threat Detection
Some of the methods observed across multiple attacks include:
- Privilege escalation attempts
- Disabling of security tools
- Deletion of Volume Shadow Copy
- Remote encryption of mapped network drives
- File renaming
- Creation of a ransom note
These behaviors are critical signals for both ransomware threat detection and identity threat detection and response solutions.
Ransomware Detection: Key Red Flags for Cyber Threat Detection and Response Teams
- A large number of files are renamed in a short period of time.
- Accessing and disabling of services/processes/applications that could detect payload execution.
- System backups and recovery partitions are deleted.
- System event logs disabled or deleted.
- Suspicious command-line activity.
- Ransom notes naming conventions.
Example Command-Line Arguments Used in Attacks
“C:WindowsSystem32wevtutil.exe” cl Security
“C:WindowsSystem32wevtutil.exe” cl System
“C:WindowsSystem32wevtutil.exe” cl Application
“C:WindowsSystem32wevtutil.exe” cl Setup
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is threat detection and response?
Threat detection and response is the practice of identifying and neutralizing cyber threats using continuous monitoring and automated investigation across endpoints, networks, and cloud systems.
2. How to detect insider threats?
Use behavior analytics, privilege monitoring, and advanced threat detection solutions to spot unusual data access patterns.
3. What are the 4 methods of threat detection?
Signature-based detection, anomaly-based detection, heuristic analysis, and behavior-based detection.
4. Why are managed threat detection and response services important for ransomware?
They provide 24/7 monitoring, quick investigation, and rapid containment when ransomware indicators appear.
5. How do threat detection investigation and response stop ransomware attacks?
Threat detection investigation and response can stop ransomware attacks by correlating endpoint, network, and cloud data to identify early compromise signs and trigger immediate response actions.
Rolling the Dice: Ransomware in the Gaming Industry
Discover how ransomware attacks hit gaming companies, how attackers moved laterally, and why network visibility is key. Learn real-world lessons and strategies to detect, respond, and protect critical systems.
