Modus operandi
The modus operandi for ransomware attacks involves several steps and techniques used by cybercriminals to carry out their malicious activities. Here is a general outline of the modus operandi for ransomware attacks:
- Delivery: Ransomware is typically delivered to victims through various means, including:
- Phishing Emails: Attackers send deceptive emails with malicious attachments or links that, when clicked, download and execute the ransomware on the victim's system.
- Exploit Kits: Cybercriminals use exploit kits, which are prepackaged software tools that identify vulnerabilities in software or browsers. If a victim visits a compromised website, the exploit kit is triggered, enabling the delivery of the ransomware.
- Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Exploits: Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in remote desktop services to gain unauthorized access to a victim's system and deploy the ransomware.
- Execution: Once the ransomware is delivered to the victim's system, it executes and starts encrypting files or locking the system. The ransomware employs encryption algorithms to make the victim's files inaccessible, effectively holding them hostage.
- Ransom Note: After the encryption process is complete, the ransomware displays a ransom note on the victim's screen. This note contains instructions on how to make the ransom payment, usually in cryptocurrency, and provides details on how to contact the attackers to receive the decryption key or regain access to the system.
- Payment: The attackers demand a ransom payment in exchange for providing the decryption key or unlocking the system. They often set a time limit, increasing the pressure on the victim to pay quickly. Payments are typically made in cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, to make it more difficult to trace the transactions.
- Decryption or Data Loss: Upon receiving the ransom payment, the attackers may provide the decryption key to the victim, allowing them to recover their encrypted files. However, there is no guarantee that the attackers will honor the payment and provide the necessary tools to decrypt the files. In some cases, even after paying the ransom, victims may not regain access to their data.