Ransomware attacks are among the most devastating and disruptive cyber threats facing organizations today. In these attacks, cybercriminals encrypt critical company data and demand payment, often in cryptocurrency, to restore access.
As ransomware continues to evolve, understanding how it works, how it compares to other cyber threats, and how it is trending globally is essential.
This guide will help you recognize common ransomware attacks, understand what to do if you are targeted, and learn how to prevent future incidents to keep your business secure.
What Are Ransomware Attacks
At its core, ransomware is malicious software that encrypts a victim’s files or locks their systems, effectively holding data hostage until a ransom is paid.
Organizations face many cyber threats, such as phishing, DDoS attacks, data breaches, and spyware. However, ransomware stands out because it can quickly shut down operations and demands payment for restoration.
And they don’t only lock your system; they steal sensitive data too. This approach increases pressure on victims to pay the ransom, as they face not only data loss but also the risk of public disclosure.
Why Are Ransomware Attacks a Major Cybersecurity Risk?
According to a 2025 report by GuidePoint Security, ransomware threat group activity increased by 46% compared to the previous year.
When attackers gain access to your system, it takes only minutes to deploy ransomware, encrypt valuable data, and lock down critical systems, leaving organizations vulnerable to significant operational disruption and financial loss. This rapid execution leaves organizations with little time to detect and respond before significant damage occurs.
As a result, ransomware is not just an IT issue – it is a significant business risk that can threaten operational continuity and long-term stability.
How Ransomware Works
Once the attacker gains access to your network, it blocks your system through data encryption or system lockdown. Here are the main steps:
Initial approach – The attack typically begins with a phishing email that contains a malicious link or attachment. If opened or downloaded, the ransomware installs itself on the system.
Another common method involves exploiting services like Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Attackers steal credentials, gain access to the system, and directly deploy ransomware.
Establishing a foothold – Once inside, the attacker installs additional tools to gain higher-level access for administrative control.
Lateral movement – The attacker moves across the network, accessing additional systems and accounts. In many cases, they target critical infrastructure such as file servers or even the Domain Controller to maximize impact.
Data encryption – The ransomware payload is deployed and activated, encrypting all accessible files, shared drives, and sometimes backups, effectively locking users out of critical systems.
Ransom demand – The victim receives a ransom note detailing the payment amount, typically in cryptocurrency, along with instructions and a deadline to restore access or stolen data.
Types of Ransomware Attacks
There are many different types of common ransomware attacks that you should know:
Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Crypto Ransomware | Encrypts files while system remains operational | LockBit, Cl0p |
Locker Ransomware | Locks access to entire system | WinLocker |
Double Extortion | Encrypts and steals data | REvil, BlackCat |
Triple Extortion | Encrypts, steals data, and launches DDoS attacks | DarkSide |
RaaS | Ransomware sold as a service | LockBit, BlackBasta |
Wiper | Destroys data without recovery intent | NotPetya, WhisperGate |
Mobile Ransomware | Targets smartphones and tablets | FluBot |
How to Protect Against Ransomware Attacks
Preventing ransomware attacks typically involves regular backups, education, and using cybersecurity tools. Learn how to protect against ransomware attacks with these ransomware protection best practices:
Cybersecurity Awareness Training
Continuous cybersecurity awareness training is an essential part of every organization’s defense strategy. Your employees should know how to recognize and act when these kinds of attacks occur.
Continuous Backup Data
Maintain sensitive data securely as a part of your routine processes to prevent data loss. Regularly back up your data using the 3-2-1 backup plans and strategies (three copies, two different storage types, one offsite or cloud-based).
Applying Patches
Regularly updating your operating system and software is vital to protect against ransomware attacks. Ransomware attackers often exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software to deliver ransomware payloads and gain unauthorized access.
Ensure that all critical systems, including servers, endpoints, and network devices, receive timely patches to reduce the risk of ransomware infection.
Advanced Anti-Malware Software
These security solutions detect and block ransomware payloads before they can execute, leveraging behavioral analysis and machine learning to identify malicious activity.
Regularly updating your software ensures protection against the latest ransomware variants and emerging threats.
Access Control Policies
Implementing strict access control policies helps limit ransomware attackers’ ability to gain initial access and move laterally within a network. This includes requiring strong authentication methods such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) solutions and regularly reviewing user permissions.
Proper access controls reduce the risk of compromised credentials being used to deploy ransomware.
Should I Pay the Ransom?
There is no guarantee that paying a ransom will restore your data. Even though some organizations pay the ransom, only a small percentage were able to fully recover their data.
According to the DeepStrike study, by late 2025, only about 23% of ransomware victims paid ransoms, down from an estimated 85% in 2019. This indicates that many companies try to recover their data by implementing best practices, including data encryption, using anti-malware software, strengthening passwords with a multi-layered security approach, and more.
Paying a ransom may also expose your organization to future targeting, as attackers may label you as a willing payer.
However, experts advise against paying the ransom due to several significant risks and ethical concerns. Some US states have made it illegal for state government agencies to pay a ransom.
What to Do in the First 24 hours of a Ransomware Attack
Responding effectively to a ransomware incident requires coordinated action to minimize damage and restore operations. Here are the key steps to follow:
Immediately activate your Incident Response Plan (IRP): As soon as a ransomware attack is detected, initiate your organization’s pre-established IRP to ensure a structured and efficient response.
Isolate affected systems: Quickly disconnect infected devices and network segments to prevent the ransomware from spreading further across your network.
Engage incident response specialists: Bring in cybersecurity experts who can analyze the attack, limit the threat, and assist in recovery efforts.
Communicate transparently with stakeholders: Keep internal teams and relevant parties informed about the incident status and response actions to maintain coordinated efforts.
Common Ransomware Variants
There are thousands of different ransomware groups with unique functions. Some of them stand out for their influence and notable features. Let’s take a look:
| Ransomware Variant | Description | Notable Features / Examples |
| CryptoLocker | One of the first modern encrypting ransomware strains; encrypts files and demands ransom for decryption. | Kickstarted modern ransomware era; used strong encryption. |
| WannaCry | Self-propagating ransomware that exploited a Windows vulnerability to spread rapidly worldwide. | Affected over 200,000 computers in 150 countries; used EternalBlue exploit. |
| Ryuk | Targeted ransomware known for high ransom demands, often over $1 million. | Focuses on high-value targets; disables backups and system restore. |
| REvil (Sodinokibi) | Double-extortion ransomware that encrypts data and threatens to leak stolen information. | Involved in high-profile attacks; uses Ransomware-as-a-Service model. |
| LockBit | Businesslike ransomware group known for fast encryption and high ransom demands. | One of the most common variants in recent years; uses affiliate model. |
| DarkSide | Known for targeting critical infrastructure, including the Colonial Pipeline attack. | Uses double and triple extortion tactics; RaaS operator. |
Maze | First ransomware to combine file encryption with data theft and public data leaks as extortion. | Popularized double extortion; group has since disbanded but influenced others. |
| Clop | Sophisticated ransomware targeting sensitive sectors like healthcare and finance. | Uses phishing and zero-day exploits; digitally signed code. |
| Akira | Targets Windows and Linux, employing intermittent encryption and evasion techniques. | Exploits VPN vulnerabilities; performs extortion-only attacks. |
| Play | Notable for intermittent encryption and double extortion; targets high-profile organizations globally. | Uses vulnerabilities in FortiOS and exposed RDP servers. |
How Frontline Can Help Your Business
Maintaining strong security, continuously monitoring systems, and training staff to recognize threats are essential steps in protecting sensitive information and ensuring your business is secured.
Frontline helps businesses address these challenges through comprehensive cybersecurity services. They provide 24/7 threat monitoring, vulnerability assessments, endpoint protection, and firewall management to prevent attacks before they occur. Their managed cyber security services are tailored to each business and can scale as the organization grows, providing a high level of cybersecurity.
To help your company significantly reduce the risk of the worst ransomware attacks, work with one of the top IT companies in Los Angeles — Frontline. We offer comprehensive IT consulting, support, and security services to small- and mid-size businesses. See what we can do for your company by getting in touch with us.
FAQs
How Are Ransomware and Phishing Attacks Related?
Phishing is one of the most common ransomware vectors. Attackers use deceptive emails or messages to trick users into clicking malicious links or opening infected attachments, which then deliver ransomware payloads onto the system.
What Immediate Actions Should I Take After Detecting a Ransomware Infection?
Immediately activate your incident response plan:
Isolate infected systems to stop the spread.
Engage cybersecurity experts for analysis and containment.
Communicate clearly with your internal teams to coordinate the response.
How Do The Most Common Ransomware Attacks Occur?
The most common ransomware attacks happen through:
Phishing emails
Malicious downloads
Exploiting vulnerabilities
RDP attacks
Fake apps
