Organizations are constantly under threat of ransomware attacks, and despite their best efforts, attackers will eventually find a way into their systems. The key then becomes detecting ransomware before it can encrypt and exfiltrate critical business data. As analyst Dave Gruber from TechTarget’s Enterprise Strategy Group states, the focus is shifting from prevention to detection and response in order to stop attackers in their tracks.
The consequences of a ransomware attack can be severe, both financially and for a company’s reputation. By the time security teams become aware of ransom demands, the damage is already done. Prevention is crucial in the fight against ransomware, but detection and response activities provide an additional layer of protection, particularly when it comes to preventing the lateral movement of ransomware within a system, according to Forrester analyst Allie Mellen.
Detecting ransomware involves a combination of automation and malware analysis to identify malicious files early in the attack chain. However, detecting malware is not always easy, as adversaries often hide ransomware within legitimate software to evade detection. The ultimate goal is to detect any suspicious activity and determine if it is malicious, rather than solely focusing on identifying malware, as explained by Gruber.
There are three main types of ransomware detection techniques: signature-based, behavior-based, and deception-based detection.
Signature-based detection involves comparing the hash of a ransomware sample to known signatures. This method provides quick static analysis of files in an environment, and most antivirus software utilizes this technique to scan for malware. However, signature-based methods are not foolproof, as attackers frequently update their malware files to avoid detection. For example, network security company SonicWall discovered 465,501 previously unseen malware variants in 2022. Nonetheless, signature-based detection remains useful for identifying older ransomware samples and protecting against general ransomware campaigns.
Behavior-based detection relies on comparing new behaviors to historical data to detect indicators of compromise. This method involves monitoring file system changes, examining network traffic for anomalies, and analyzing API calls for suspicious commands. By detecting abnormal activity, security teams can identify potential ransomware attacks. However, behavior-based detection may generate false positives and requires time for analysis. Attackers can also exploit legitimate file-sharing sites to evade detection.
Deception-based detection techniques involve tricking malicious attackers by deploying fake assets within a network. These decoys, such as honeynets, honeypots, and honey tokens, are designed to attract attackers while legitimate users avoid interacting with them. Security teams can then monitor these decoys for any suspicious activity, providing a reliable indicator of a potential ransomware attack.
To effectively combat ransomware, a layered approach is essential. Using multiple detection techniques in conjunction with each other enhances the chances of detecting and isolating a ransomware attack before it spreads too far within a system. As Gartner’s Mario de Boer emphasizes, no single technique can address all use cases in the face of complex and evasive modern attacks. Additionally, organizations must not solely rely on antivirus software and should also be vigilant against insider threats and social engineering attacks.
Ransomware attacks are a serious threat, with ransom payments nearly doubling in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to Sophos’ “State of Ransomware 2023” report. Training employees about the risks of ransomware and educating infosec professionals about frameworks like the Mitre ATT&CK framework can help organizations improve their overall system security and identify areas of strength and weakness.
Overall, while organizations can’t completely prevent ransomware attacks, implementing a multi-layered approach to detection and response can greatly mitigate the damage caused by these malicious incidents.