

The costs of a ransomware attack to an organization go beyond just the ransom to regain access to their systems and data, as the reputation and legal jeopardy can be significant enough to threaten the future of many businesses.


Ransomware attacks can cause extensive damage to organizations of all sizes and types but are especially damaging to an organization whose backups are not adequate or up to date. The ransom payment is demanded within a specific time window, usually hours or days after infection occurs, with a threat to publish or delete the encrypted data if the victim refuses to, or cannot, pay.Īs with most malware distribution, ransomware is most commonly deployed via email-often through phishing attacks-or exploit kits (from malicious ads). It works by encrypting files on a computer, making them inaccessible until the victim pays the ransomware operator a sum of money, usually in cryptocurrency (favored for its anonymity and ease of online transaction).
Ransomwhere objective see software#
Ransomware is a type of malicious software or malware designed to take over a computer. A poorly trained workforce can leave even the most sophisticated networks vulnerable to a ransomware attack if they click on a suspicious link or mistakenly open an infected attachment.įor business owners and security leaders, the silver lining of the 2021 ransomware epidemic is that now is the perfect time to secure and educate their workforce in a relevant and timely way.
Ransomwhere objective see driver#
With ransomware as a key driver of cybersecurity risk, this slow adoption of training has highlighted that businesses are leaving one of their best lines of defense-their employees-unprepared to detect and report threats. Yet, despite today’s threatscape and cybersecurity risk being a top concern for executives, recent research revealed that only 36% of surveyed business leaders said their enterprises offer ransomware-focused security training. Ransomware has been on the rise, making headlines and entering boardroom discussions, with more than one-third of businesses globally reporting being hit with ransomware in 2021.
