What Is a Ransomware Attack?

In 2024, ransomware attacks increased by 11% compared to the previous year, with more than 5,400 incidents impacting businesses around the globe. While the methods and motives vary, most ransomware campaigns follow a similar path: quietly infiltrate, encrypt, and extort.

Attackers typically begin with phishing emails or exploit kits. A single malicious attachment or embedded link can trigger a download that installs the ransomware payload. Others leverage exposed Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) ports or steal login credentials to gain access.

Once inside the network, the ransomware executes in stages. It identifies and encrypts valuable files using hybrid cryptography, combining symmetric and asymmetric encryption methods. In many cases, attackers disable backups or delete shadow copies to eliminate alternative recovery paths.

A ransom note soon follows. Victims are pressured with countdown timers, threats to leak sensitive data, or staged release of files. Payment is demanded in cryptocurrency to ensure anonymity. Unfortunately, even after payment, recovery is not guaranteed. The decryption process may fail or never arrive at all.

Over the years, several distinct types of ransomware have emerged. Some lock screens, others encrypt files. More advanced strains now combine both tactics, along with additional pressure techniques.

Locker Ransomware

Blocks access to the entire device interface. Users cannot interact with any part of the system until the ransom is paid.

Crypto Ransomware

Encrypts files and directories but allows the system to function. Victims can view that data exists but cannot open or recover it without a decryption key.

Scareware

Displays fake alerts or antivirus warnings to trick users into paying for bogus software.

Double and Triple Extortion

Encrypts data and exfiltrates it. If victims refuse to pay, attackers threaten to publish the stolen information or pressure clients and vendors directly.

Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)

A growing number of cybercriminals lease their ransomware kits to affiliates in exchange for a percentage of the ransom. This low-barrier model has flooded the threat landscape.

Notable ransomware examples include:

• WannaCry (2017): Spread via EternalBlue vulnerability. Impacted over 200,000 devices across 150 countries.
• BlackCat/ALPHV (2024): Paralyzed UnitedHealth systems. Damages topped $3.09 billion.
• Interlock (2025): Caused a system-wide outage at Kettering Health. Stole over 950 GB of patient data and impacted elective care and patient scheduling across 14 hospitals.

Ransom demands vary widely, from $100,000 to over $20 million, depending on the target, industry, and attack scale.

The cost of a ransomware attack goes far beyond the initial ransom. Businesses must account for operational downtime, forensic investigations, hardware replacement, customer trust, and compliance penalties.

A 2023 Sophos report estimates that the average recovery cost per incident is $2.73 million. That figure includes downtime, IT hours, third-party support, and system rebuilds. In addition, organizations hit by ransomware attacks often face data exposure or loss, triggering legal obligations under HIPAA, GDPR, or state-level breach laws.

Another layer of risk is that a ransom payment does not ensure recovery. Some attackers fail to provide a working decryption key, while others disappear entirely. Paying once may even make a victim a repeat target.

No single tool or tactic can fully eliminate the threat of a ransomware attack. However, a layered defense strategy that covers people, processes, and technology can dramatically reduce your risk and recovery time.

Limit access with smart policies

Not everyone needs access to everything. Use role-based access control to assign the minimum required permissions to each user. Segment your network so that a compromise in one area does not expose the entire system. Enforce multifactor authentication (MFA) across all remote entry points, especially VPNs and cloud platforms, to stop attackers who rely on stolen credentials.

Back up your data and make it immutable

Daily backups are not enough if ransomware can encrypt or delete them. Backups must be stored offline or in isolated environments, with immutability controls in place. 

Immutable backups cannot be altered or erased, making them one of the most effective safeguards against data loss during a ransomware attack. Ensure your recovery process is tested regularly, not just configured.

Stay current with updates

Software vulnerabilities are the doorways ransomware uses to get in. Apply security patches promptly, and automate updates wherever possible. Pay special attention to third-party apps and outdated hardware that might no longer receive updates.

Train your team

Human error still opens the majority of ransomware payloads. Frequent phishing simulations, clear reporting protocols, and real-world security training help employees stay alert to social engineering attempts.

Invest in endpoint and network protection

Deploy tools that detect behavior anomalies, such as rapid encryption activity or unauthorized data access. These solutions offer critical seconds to contain an attack before it spreads.

At OTAVA, we help organizations prevent ransomware attacks with a modern defense stack. Our solutions include:

• Immutable backups and anomaly detection powered by Veeam and Zerto
• Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) to ensure fast rollback with minimal downtime

The ransomware attack landscape continues to evolve both in complexity and scale.

Use of AI

In late 2024, a group called FunkSec gained attention for its AI-written ransomware code. Generated with large language models, the code included human-like comments and adaptive logic that made it harder to detect and reverse engineer.

Growth of RaaS

RaaS platforms are also expanding, enabling even low-skilled attackers to launch high-impact campaigns. This has contributed to the dramatic rise in ransomware seen across small businesses and regional healthcare systems.

Shift Toward Data Exfiltration

Many attackers now prefer data exfiltration over encryption. Leaking sensitive customer records or employee files provides leverage even if victims have reliable backups.

Geographic Trends

Geographically, regions like APAC, Latin America, and parts of Africa are seeing an uptick in incidents. As digital adoption expands faster than security infrastructure, these regions are prime targets.

If your organization falls victim to a ransomware attack, the first few hours are critical.

• Isolate affected systems to prevent lateral spread
• Notify your internal incident response team and legal counsel
• Involve law enforcement and cybersecurity professionals
• Begin forensic investigation to understand the scope and breach method

It is tempting to pay, especially when systems are down. However, payment is not a guaranteed solution. According to industry research, while 56% of victims pay to regain access, 17% still do not recover their stolen data.

At OTAVA, we use our S.E.C.U.R.E.™ Framework to guide clients through ransomware response, from containment to full recovery. Our solutions are aligned with major compliance standards, including ISO 27001, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS.

A ransomware attack is an IT problem and a business risk. At OTAVA, we help clients prepare, protect, and recover with secure infrastructure, smart automation, and expert support. Our solutions are built to meet modern ransomware threats head-on.

Let us help you build a ransomware resilience strategy that actually works. Talk to our experts today.

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