Ransomware attacks look different today than they did two years ago. The shift isn’t subtle. Criminal groups have moved beyond simple encryption demands and developed sophisticated methods that make traditional defences increasingly ineffective.
The problem starts with access. Attackers spend weeks inside networks before launching their primary assault. They map systems, identify valuable data, and establish multiple backdoors. By the time encryption begins, they’ve already copied sensitive information to their own servers.
Double extortion has become standard practice. Organisations face two threats simultaneously: encrypted systems and stolen data. Paying to decrypt files no longer guarantees safety because attackers threaten to publish confidential information regardless. This approach puts enormous pressure on victims who can’t afford public data breaches.
Financial services firms discovered this reality recently when a major attack exposed customer records weeks after the initial breach. The encryption happened quickly, but investigators found evidence of reconnaissance activity dating back months. Traditional antivirus software missed every warning sign.
Expert Commentary
William Fieldhouse, Director of Aardwolf Security Ltd, explains the evolution: “Ransomware groups now operate like professional businesses with customer service departments and negotiation teams. They research their targets thoroughly, understanding financial capabilities and regulatory obligations. This intelligence lets them calibrate ransom demands for maximum pressure whilst avoiding amounts that might trigger law enforcement intervention at higher levels.”
The New Attack Surface
Remote work expanded the attack surface dramatically. Employees connect from home networks with inconsistent security controls. VPN vulnerabilities provide entry points that didn’t exist when everyone worked from secured office environments.
Supply chain compromises represent another vector. Attackers target managed service providers and software vendors, gaining access to dozens or hundreds of clients through a single breach. The SolarWinds incident demonstrated how devastating this approach can be across entire industries.
Attackers also exploit legitimate tools already present in most environments. PowerShell, Windows Management Instrumentation, and remote desktop protocols all serve valid business purposes. Criminals use these same tools to avoid detection whilst moving through networks and deploying malware.
Backup systems receive particular attention from attackers. They know that accessible backups dramatically reduce ransom payment likelihood. Modern ransomware specifically seeks out and corrupts backup files before encrypting production systems. Organisations discover their recovery plans are worthless precisely when they need them most.
Building Effective Defences
Network segmentation limits how far attackers can travel after initial compromise. Critical systems should exist in isolated zones with strict access controls. When ransomware encrypts one segment, others remain functional and secure.
Regular web application penetration testing identifies vulnerabilities before criminals exploit them. External assessments provide fresh perspectives that internal teams often miss. Testing should cover all internet-facing systems and examine how successfully attackers might pivot to internal resources.
Immutable backups stored offline or in isolated cloud environments provide genuine recovery options. These backups can’t be modified or deleted by attackers with network access. Test restoration procedures regularly because theoretical backups mean nothing if you can’t actually recover data when needed.
Employee awareness training deserves serious investment, not token annual modules that everyone clicks through mindlessly. People need to recognise phishing attempts, understand social engineering tactics, and know exactly how to report suspicious activity without fear of punishment for potential false alarms.
Taking Action
Start with a comprehensive security assessment. You need honest evaluation of current defences and clear understanding of gaps that exist. Working with the best penetration testing company ensures experienced professionals examine your environment from an attacker’s perspective.
Implement multi-factor authentication everywhere, particularly for administrative accounts and remote access. Passwords alone provide insufficient protection against modern attacks. Additional verification steps dramatically increase the effort required to compromise accounts.
Monitor networks continuously for unusual activity patterns. Baseline normal behaviour first, then investigate deviations. Attackers often work during off-hours when security teams aren’t actively watching. Automated alerting ensures someone notices suspicious behaviour regardless of timing.
Ransomware groups continue innovating because attacks remain profitable. Businesses that take security seriously, invest in proper defences, and maintain realistic incident response plans stand the best chance of avoiding catastrophic breaches. The question isn’t whether you’ll face attacks, but whether your organisation will survive them intact.
