What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of threat that aims to encrypt the data of the target IT asset in a way that compromises its availability, integrity, and confidentiality.

Through Ransomware, the attacker often creates files through the encryption process, called “ransom notes,” through which he demands a ransom from the victim in exchange for access to his data. In other cases, the data is exfiltrated so as to offer the attacker an extra tool of blackmail against the victim.

The 2025 Clusit Report highlighted how Ransomware is by far the most utilized category of Malware by hackers, due to its higher profitability in economic terms.

The main types of Ransomware

Ransomware comes in various forms and types, each with its own modes of attack and consequences.

Here’s a list of the most common types of Ransomware:

• Ransomware Locker: this form of Ransomware completely locks access to the victim’s system, preventing the booting of the operating system or access to files. Users are often presented with a blocking message demanding ransom payment to unlock the system.

• Ransomware Crypto: this type of Ransomware encrypts the victim’s files using advanced cryptographic algorithms. Once the files are encrypted, they become inaccessible without the correct decryption key, which is promised in exchange for ransom payment.

• Ransomware Scareware: this type of Ransomware exploits fear and intimidation to induce victims to pay the ransom. Users may be presented with false security alerts or threats of legal action, attempting to convince them to pay to resolve the alleged issue.

• Ransomware Mobile: this Ransomware variant is designed for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Once the device is infected, Ransomware can block access to user data or encrypt files on the device, demanding payment to restore access.
• Ransomware Doxware: this type of Ransomware threatens to make the victim’s sensitive data, such as photos, videos, or personal documents, public unless a ransom is paid. The threat of disclosure can be particularly damaging to the reputation and privacy of the victims.

• Ransomware as a Service (RaaS): this is a more sophisticated form of Ransomware, where cybercriminals offer infrastructure and technical support to help other criminals conduct Ransomware attacks in exchange for a share of the profits.

How does Ransomware manifest itself?

Ransomware can manifest in various ways, utilizing different techniques to infiltrate victims’ computer systems.

Below are some of the main methods through which Ransomware can manifest:

• Phishing Emails: one of the most common methods used by cybercriminals to spread Ransomware is through phishing emails. In this type of attack, users receive seemingly legitimate emails prompting them to open attachments or click on malicious links. Once the user interacts with the email content, the malware can be activated and begin encrypting the victim’s files.

• Infected Websites: some websites can be compromised by cybercriminals to spread Ransomware. Users might be directed to these sites through malicious links or deceptive advertisements. Once a user visits an infected site, the malware can be downloaded and activated on their device without their consent.

• Software Vulnerabilities: cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities in the software installed on victims’ devices to spread Ransomware. These vulnerabilities can be exploited to execute malicious code on the victim’s device, allowing the malware to take control of the system and encrypt files.

• Drive-by Download: this malware distribution technique involves the automatic download and execution of Ransomware without any explicit action from the user. The malware can be hidden in malicious scripts or executable files present on compromised web pages, exploiting vulnerabilities in the browser or installed plugins to carry out the attack.

• Ransomware Worms: some Ransomware variants can spread autonomously across networks, exploiting vulnerabilities in connected devices to propagate from one machine to another. These worms can spread rapidly within corporate or home networks, encrypting files on all reached devices.

What to do in case of a Ransomware attack?

If a company suddenly falls victim to a Ransomware attack, it’s crucial to act promptly and strategically to minimize damage and restore normal operations as soon as possible.

Here are some steps to follow in the event of a Ransomware attack:

1. Isolate the infected system: the first action to take is to immediately isolate the infected system or systems from the company network to prevent the spread of Ransomware to other devices and servers.

2. Disconnect Internet connections: disable all internet and network connections to prevent attackers from communicating with the malware and encrypting further files or devices.

3. Contact an IT expert: immediately seek the assistance of an IT expert to assess the extent of the attack, identify the type of Ransomware involved, and develop an appropriate response strategy.

4. Evaluate data restoration options: assess available options for data restoration, such as restoring from recent backups or using decryption tools available online, if applicable.

5. Communicate with staff: promptly inform company staff of the Ransomware attack and the actions being taken to resolve the situation. Provide clear instructions on how they should behave and what precautions they should take to further protect sensitive data.

6. Document the attack: thoroughly document all events related to the Ransomware attack, including suspicious activities preceding the attack, damages incurred, and actions taken to resolve the situation. This information can be useful for future reference and post-incident analysis.

Consequences of a Ransomware attack for SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a particularly sensitive target for Ransomware attacks, with potentially devastating consequences for their security and business continuity.

First, the impact can be economic, due to the cost of any redemption, the damage resulting from the interruption or slowdown of operations and the costs of restoring systems.

Second, impacts can be operational if data loss occurs as a result of their encryption or if updated backups are not available. A further typology is reputational damage, as affected organizations are often publicly perceived as responsible for ineffective data and information security management.

This has a negative impact on the security of the corporate Supply Chain, one of the key requirements introduced by the NIS2 Directive with a view to raising the level of cyber resilience in critical sectors of the European economy.

How an SME can protect itself from a Ransomware attack

To effectively protect themselves from the risks associated with Ransomware, SMEs must develop structured risk management processes and take a proactive approach to cybersecurity, with technologies that can adapt as the attack evolves.

Recommended strategies include:

• Implementation of technologies for tracking security events: the SGBox Platform combines in a single solution SIEM (Security Information & Event Management) and SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation & Response) capabilities for the collection, correlation, in-depth analysis of security events and automatic incident response.

  Thanks to this technology, it is possible for an SME to activate proactive monitoring procedures of the corporate network for the analysis of the perimeter compromised by a Ransomware, through the analysis and advanced management of Logs of server files, network operating system, email server, accesses and abnormal user behaviors.

• Backup and Data restoration: regularly backing up critical data and implementing data restoration procedures is essential to mitigate the damage caused by a Ransomware attack. Ensure that backups are regularly updated and stored in a secure and isolated infrastructure to prevent compromise by attackers.

• Staff Training: providing regular training to staff on cybersecurity awareness is crucial to reduce the risk of falling victim to Ransomware attacks. Users should be instructed on how to recognize and handle phishing emails, suspicious websites, and other potential attack vectors.