What really happens during a ransomware attack?

According to Security Magazine, 19 cyberattacks occur every second. Those attacks put IT on the defensive by design. On average, a hacker is already in your system for 212 days before discovery, and often they are discovered only because they made an error. For example, the hacker launched an exploit that sets off an alarm, and by the time IT is aware of the intrusion, it’s too late – you've been breached for months. Your incident response playbook needs to include a proactive approach to data security so that you can boost your cyber resilience and keep malicious actors where they belong – outside your infrastructure and away from your data.  

Let’s use ransomware as an example. What happens during an attack, and how can you proactively protect your data as cyberthreats unfold? 

Cyber-criminals have many attack vectors to gather intel about their target during the reconnaissance phase, identifying weak links in IT systems to find vulnerable points of entry. 

How NetApp can help: Data visibility—classify what data you have, where it is stored, and who has access to it. That approach strengthens all points of entry to reduce vulnerabilities. 

During this phase, hostile intent translates into malicious software, such as viruses and malware, designed as weapons to target the identified weak systems.  

How NetApp can help: Indelible, immutable data copies—create data copies with end-to-end encryption to lock down your data so that threats have are stymied even inside the perimeter; instantly block malicious files. 

Attackers unleash their payload on their target, either specified networks or devices. Delivery methods range from email attachments to malicious links that can establish a foothold inside IT networks. 

How NetApp can help: AI-powered ransomware threat detection—proactively monitor with early alerts and actionable intelligence so you can rapidly respond to threats with built-in NetApp® Autonomous Ransomware Protection. 

Unauthorized access is granted. Entry into vulnerable systems involves taking advantage of software bugs, weak passwords, or unpatched systems. Once the system is compromised, attackers become privileged users and can navigate networks undetected. 

How NetApp can help: Zero Trust—use a data-centric approach and keep security controls as close to the data as possible (granular, file-based event notification interface), so that even known users aren’t free to roam inside your environment. 

As if given the green light, bad actors install additional malware to control compromised systems to continue executing actions like extracting sensitive data or launching further attacks. 

How NetApp can help: Immutable data copies—prevent data exfiltration and encryption with NetApp Snapshot™ technology and cyber vaulting, so that data destruction isn’t a concern in the event of an attack. 

After creating their own destructive infrastructure, attackers can command a company’s IT network from anywhere by creating a communication channel that allows them to execute demands. 

How NetApp can help: Disaster recovery—get nonstop data availability with zero RPO and RTO. If you do face an attack, NetApp active sync can help to achieve continuous business operations.

Ransomware attackers are after one thing—ransom. Whether attackers exfiltrate compromising customer data, intellectual property, or financials, they want to capitalize on stolen information.  

This series of events creates a ripple effect that undermines organizations and disrupts business. The fallout is damaged reputation, financial erosion, and potential loss of your competitive edge. 

How NetApp can help: Ransomware recovery guarantee—The Ransomware Recovery Guarantee, NetApp guarantees that if the worst happens and you suffer an attack, we warrant Snapshot™ data recovery on your primary or secondary ONTAP™ storage. If you can’t recover the backup Snapshot copies you use to protect your data with help from NetApp, we offer compensation. 

Taking an offensive approach (rather than a defensive recovery strategy) to cyberthreats like ransomware is crucial. By building in protections aimed at every stage of an attack, you can reduce potential damage, limit disruption to business operations, and safeguard your most valuable assets. 

Check out our ransomware solutions to learn how you can build true cyber resilience across your entire infrastructure.