{"id":8493,"date":"2022-11-22T14:35:46","date_gmt":"2022-11-22T09:05:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/?p=8493"},"modified":"2025-03-25T14:52:28","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T09:22:28","slug":"how-does-ransomware-spreads","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/how-does-ransomware-spreads\/","title":{"rendered":"How Does Ransomware Spread? Common Infection Methods &amp; Prevention Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Ransomware attacks are increasing day by day. A ransomware attack is a type of cyber attack in which the hacker encrypts the user&#8217;s or organization&#8217;s entire file and asks them to pay a ransom. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then one question comes in mind that how does ransomware spreads?<\/span><\/span><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #414141;color:#414141\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #414141;color:#414141\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/how-does-ransomware-spreads\/#How_Does_Ransomware_Spread\" >How Does Ransomware Spread?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/how-does-ransomware-spreads\/#How_Does_Ransomware_Spread_Common_Infection_Methods\" >How Does Ransomware Spread: Common Infection Methods<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/how-does-ransomware-spreads\/#How_Does_Ransomware_Spreads_Prevention\" >How Does Ransomware Spreads: Prevention<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/how-does-ransomware-spreads\/#Final_Thoughts\" >Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/how-does-ransomware-spreads\/#FAQs_How_Ransomware_Spreads\" >FAQs: How Ransomware Spreads?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">This type of attack is on the rise because many organizations and users are still unaware of it. For this reason, the attackers keep developing ransomware software with which they can attack companies and generate revenue.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is not just about the amount of the ransom, sometimes the attackers intentionally disclose the data on the dark web or on a public website to harm the company. However, this happens only in some cases where the company has refused to pay the ransom. The only question that arises here is: How did <\/span><a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/ransomware-attacks\"><b><span style=\"color: #183994;\">ransomware<\/span><\/b><\/a> spread<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? This is a complicated question, but we have figured out the answers so you can understand it.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n      @media print, screen and (max-width: 63.99875em){\n      .tnp-submit\n      width: 48%;\n      }\n      .wp-block-tnp-minimal{\n      padding: 20px;\n      }\n      .blog_para\n      margin-top: 4px !important;\n      line-height: 25px !important;\n      font-size: 15px !important;\n      }\n\n      }\n      .blog_para{\n      font-family: jost,sans-serif;\n      margin-top: 14px;\n      margin-bottom: 30px;\n      color: #fff;\n      font-size: 15px !important;\n      color: black !important;\n\n      }\n\n      .wp-block-tnp-minimal{\n      padding:20px;\n      border: 1px solid grey;\n      }\n\n      .tnp-submit a{\n        background: #1d58c7!important;\n    border-radius: 5px!important;\n    text-transform: inherit!important;\n    padding: 8px 25px!important;\n    font-weight: 600!important;\n    color: #fff!important;\n    width: 30%!important;\n    border: none;\n      }\n\n      .blog_get{\n      font-size: 24px !important;\n      font-weight: 700;\n      padding-bottom: 0px;\n    font-family: 'Poppins' !important;\n      margin-bottom: 0px;\n      margin-top: 0px;\n      margin-bottom: 0px !important;\n      color: white;\n          line-height: 30px;\n          color: white;\n      }\n      .row{\n             display: flex;\n    flex-wrap: wrap;\n    flex-direction: row;\n    padding: 25px 0px 25px 36px;\n    align-items: center;\n\n      }\n\n.colLeft{\n         flex-basis:50%;\n    -webkit-box-flex: 0;\n    flex-grow: 0;\n    max-width: 50%;\n    color: white;\n}\n    \n .colRight{\n       flex-basis: 45%;\n    -webkit-box-flex: 0;\n    flex-grow: 0;\n    max-width: 50%;\n }\n\n.tnp-subscription-minimal{\n    float: right;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div style=\"max-width: 741px; margin: 0 auto; background-image: url('https:\/\/awareness.threatcop.ai\/marketing\/linkedinlowerbanner.webp'); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: cover; background-position: center; \">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"colLeft\">\n<p class=\"blog_get\" style=\"font-family: 'Poppins' !important; color: white !important\">Subscribe to Our Newsletter On Linkedin<\/p>\n<p class=\"blog_para\" style=\"font-size: 16px;font-family: 'Poppins' !important; color: white !important; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 28px;line-height: 25px;\">Sign up to Stay Tuned with the Latest Cyber Security News and Updates<\/p>\n\n<div>\n<div class=\"tnp\" style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\">\n            <form action=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/newsletter-thank-you\" method=\"get\" target=\"_blank\">\n<div class=\"tnp-submit\">\n                  <a class=\"libutton\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/build-relation\/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7062043746430783488\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Subscribe<\/a><\/div>\n<\/form><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"colRight\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"tnp tnp-subscription-minimal \">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/awareness.threatcop.ai\/marketing\/newsletter-icon.webp\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_Ransomware_Spread\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>How Does Ransomware Spread?<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">The anatomy of a ransomware attack will involve different stages, which will be followed by the hackers for a potential ransomware attack.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Initial Stage<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Attackers who use ransomware attacks on their targets have a motive of gaining access to sensitive data. The starting phase of the ransomware attack is performed in different ways. Attackers convince or trick users into downloading a dropper, which starts the infection, using strategies like <span style=\"color: #183994;\"><a style=\"color: #183994;\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/social-engineering-attack\/\"><strong>social engineering<\/strong><\/a><\/span> and weaponized websites.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Installing Malware<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Once they get access to the system, they will start working on installing malware. So, when the infected file is opened, the malware starts encrypting the files. When the attacker gets access to the system, they start installing malware through which they will get access to the system.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">When the attacker gets access, they start working on encrypting files and stealing the data, so that they can get a potential amount from the victim. But do you know if the encryption of the files involves different steps? Let\u2019s check it out.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<!DOCTYPE html>\r\n<html lang=\"en\">\r\n\r\n<head>\r\n    <meta charset=\"UTF-8\">\r\n    <meta http-equiv=\"X-UA-Compatible\" content=\"IE=edge\">\r\n    <meta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0\">\r\n    <title>Document<\/title>\r\n<\/head>\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n    .interestedBtn {\r\n        width: 80% !important;\r\n        box-sizing: border-box !important;\r\n        display: inline-block !important;\r\n        padding: 11px !important;\r\n        border: 1px !important;\r\n        border-color: #ddd !important;\r\n        margin-top: 10px !important;\r\n        background-color: #183e8b !important;\r\n        background-image: none !important;\r\n        text-shadow: none !important;\r\n        color: #fff !important;\r\n        font-size: 14px !important;\r\n        line-height: 20px !important;\r\n        border-radius: 5px !important;\r\n        margin: 0 !important;\r\n        cursor: pointer !important;\r\n        box-shadow: 0px 4.66px 22.99px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.10);;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n\r\n        .formSec .formSecTwo{\r\n            padding-top: 15px !important;\r\n            margin-bottom: 30px !important;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n\r\n    .tnp-email {\r\n        width: 80% !important;\r\n        box-sizing: border-box;\r\n        padding: 8px 10px;\r\n        display: inline-block;\r\n        border: 1px solid #ced4da;\r\n        background: #fff;\r\n        color: #000 !important;\r\n        font-size: 13px;\r\n        line-height: 20px;\r\n        border-radius: 2px;\r\n        padding-right: 30px;\r\n        margin-bottom: 0px;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .formSec {\r\n        border: 1px solid #ced4da;\r\n        float: left !important;\r\n        width: 55% !important;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .mainBox {\r\n       \/* border: 1px solid #183e8b;*\/\r\n         background: white;\r\n        max-width: 600px !important;\r\n        margin: 0 auto !important;\r\n        padding: 20px !important;\r\n        font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .boxDiv {\r\n        display: flex !important;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .boxConsult {\r\n        float: left !important;\r\n        width: 45% !important;\r\n        padding: 10px !important;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .formSecTwo {\r\n        text-align:center !important;\r\n        width: 100% !important;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .formHeading {\r\n        font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;\r\n        margin-top: 0px;\r\n        font-weight: 700;\r\n        line-height: 25px;\r\n        font-size: 18px !important;\r\n        \r\n       margin-bottom: 60px !important;\r\n       color: #000!important;\r\n          margin-top: 5px !important;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .fieldHeading {\r\n        margin: 0 !important;\r\n        font-size: 13px !important;\r\n        text-align: left !important;\r\n        margin: 0px 39px 2px 93px !important;\r\n        font-weight: 500 !important;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .image {\r\n        max-width:90% !important;\r\n        height: auto !important;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n     .email-icon {\r\n            position: absolute;\r\n            right: 50px;\r\n             top: 20px;\r\n            transform: translateY(-50%);\r\n            pointer-events: none; \r\n        }\r\n\r\n          .email-container{\r\n             position: relative;\r\n         \r\n        }\r\n       \r\n\r\n        .email-icon img{\r\n                 width: 15px;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n\r\n         input::placeholder {\r\n            color:#495057;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n\r\n     ::placeholder {\r\n        color: #495057;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n        ::-ms-input-placeholder { \r\n          color:#495057;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n\r\n        input:-webkit-autofill {\r\n            background-color: transparent !important;\r\n            -webkit-box-shadow: 0 0 0px 1000px white inset !important; \r\n            box-shadow: 0 0 0px 1000px white inset !important;\r\n            color: #495057 !important; \r\n        }\r\n\r\n        \r\n        input {\r\n            color:#495057 !important;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n     .tnp-subscription-minimal {\r\n       float: unset;\r\n      }\r\n\r\n\r\n    @media screen and (max-width: 480px) {\r\n        .boxDiv {\r\n            display: block !important;\r\n            padding: 15px !important;\r\n         \r\n        }\r\n\r\n        .image{\r\n        width: 80% !important;\r\n         margin-bottom: 14px;\r\n        }\r\n        .fieldHeading {\r\n            text-align: left !important;\r\n            margin: unset !important;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        .boxConsult {\r\n            width: unset !important;\r\n            float: none !important;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        .mainBox {\r\n            border: unset !important;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        .formSec {\r\n            float: unset !important;\r\n            width: 100% !important;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        .formSecTwo {\r\n            text-align: center !important;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        .tnp-email {\r\n            width: 90% !important;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        .formHeading {\r\n            margin-bottom: unset !important;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n         .email-icon {\r\n            position: absolute;\r\n            right: 25px;\r\n            top: 58%;\r\n            transform: translateY(-50%);\r\n            pointer-events: none; \/* Make sure the icon doesn't block clicking on the input *\/\r\n        }\r\n       \r\n        .email-container{\r\n             position: relative;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n    }\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<body>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"mainBox\" box-sizing:=\"\" border-box;=\"\">\r\n\r\n        <div class=\"boxDiv\">\r\n\r\n            <div class=\"boxConsult\">\r\n                <div>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"formHeading\" style=\" font-size: 16px !important;\">\r\n                        Book a Free Demo Call with Our People Security Expert<\/h3>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/awareness.threatcop.ai\/threatcop_blog\/form.svg\" class=\"image\">\r\n            <\/div>\r\n\r\n            <div class=\"formSec\">\r\n                <div class=\" formSecTwo\">\r\n                    <h4 style=\"margin-top: 0; font-size: 16px !important;\">Enter your details<\/h4>\r\n                    <div class=\"tnp tnp-subscription-minimal\">\r\n                        <form action=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/thankyou-blog\" method=\"get\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n                            <div class=\"email-container\" style=\"margin-bottom:20px;\">\r\n\r\n                                <input class=\"tnp-email\" type=\"text\" required=\"\" name=\"FullName\" value=\"\"\r\n                                    placeholder=\"Full Name\">\r\n                                    <span class=\"email-icon\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/awareness.threatcop.ai\/threatcop_blog\/icon01.svg\" class=\"img-fluid\" \/><\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n\r\n                            <div class=\"email-container\" style=\"margin-bottom:20px;\">\r\n                               \r\n                                <input class=\"tnp-email\" type=\"email\" required=\"\" name=\"email\" value=\"\"\r\n                                    placeholder=\"Corporate Email Id\">\r\n                                     <span class=\"email-icon\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/awareness.threatcop.ai\/threatcop_blog\/icon02.svg\" class=\"img-fluid\" \/><\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n\r\n                            <div class=\"email-container\" style=\"margin-bottom:20px;\">\r\n                               \r\n                                <input class=\"tnp-email\" type=\"text\" required=\"\" name=\"CompanyName\" value=\"\"\r\n                                    placeholder=\"Company Name\">\r\n                                    <span class=\"email-icon\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/awareness.threatcop.ai\/threatcop_blog\/icon03.svg\" class=\"img-fluid\" \/><\/span>\r\n\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n\r\n                            <div class=\"email-container\">\r\n                               \r\n                                <input class=\"tnp-email\" type=\"number\" required=\"\" name=\"Phone\" value=\"\"\r\n                                    placeholder=\"Phone No.\"><br>\r\n                                    <span class=\"email-icon\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/awareness.threatcop.ai\/threatcop_blog\/icon04.svg\" class=\"img-fluid\" \/><\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"BlogForm\" value=\"BlogForm\"><br>\r\n                            <input class=\"tnp-submit interestedBtn\" name=\"submit\" type=\"submit\"\r\n                                value=\"SUBMIT\">\r\n\r\n                        <\/form>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/body>\r\n\r\n<\/html>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Encrypting The Files<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Once the attacker installs the malware and starts encrypting the files, the virus probes the local workstation and any network it has gained access to via lateral movement for files to encrypt. These encrypted files can only be decrypted with the key that is given by the attackers.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Contact the Ransomware Attacker<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Once you have seen the ransom note, then you will have to follow the methods that are provided to get the decryption keys for decrypting the files. The attacker will provide you with a method through which you will be able to contact them.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Payment<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">With all the formalities done, comes payday. After paying the ransom, the attackers will provide you with a decryption key. Most of the time, they demand payment in Bitcoin.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_Ransomware_Spread_Common_Infection_Methods\"><\/span><b>How Does Ransomware Spread: Common Infection Methods<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ransomware may be evolving, but it still needs to follow the same guidelines as standard malware, despite its increased sophistication. Some common infection methods <\/span><a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/ransomware-groups\/\"><b><span style=\"color: #183994;\">ransomware groups<\/span><\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> use to attack are:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Email Attachments<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Ransomware attacks are commonly spread through emails, which encourage the recipient to open malicious attachments. Once the victim clicked on the attachment, ransomware started its work right away. In other cases, the attacker may postpone encrypting the victim\u2019s files for days, weeks, or even months.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Hackers create credible and extremely credible emails, before creating the emails. They do thorough research on their target. The more believable the email is, the more likely victim is willing to open the email attachment.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Prevention Tips:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Open attachments only from reputable and trusted sources.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Verify that the email address is valid. Keep in mind that display names and domain names can be <\/span><span style=\"color: #183994;\"><a style=\"color: #183994;\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/email-spoofing\/\"><b>spoofed<\/b><\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Open any attachments that ask you to enable Marcos with caution. Ask your IT department for advice if you think the attachment is valid.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try to <\/span><a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/avoid-spear-phishing-attack\/\"><b><span style=\"color: #183994;\">avoid spear phishing<\/span><\/b><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">emails.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Malicious URLs<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Malicious links are inserted into emails by attackers to spread ransomware. According to the <\/span><a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2022\/11\/01\/us-banks-process-roughly-1point2-billion-in-ransomware-payments-in-2021.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b><span style=\"color: #183994;\">federal financial crimes watchdog<\/span><\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, financial institutions and U.S. banks processed roughly $1.2 billion in likely ransomware payments in 2021. This sets a new record and more than triples the amount from the previous year.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">The messages are typically written to arouse feelings of intrigue or urgency in order to pursue victims to click on the malicious links. When they click on the link, ransomware starts its work and blocks access to them. They get access after the ransom is paid.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Prevention Tips:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Be cautious when clicking any links included in emails or direct messages.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Double-check the links before clicking on them.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Manually enter the link in the browser to avoid clicking on malicious links.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Use<\/span> <a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/threatcop-phishing-incident-response\"><b><span style=\"color: #183994;\">phishing incident response<\/span><\/b><\/a><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> tool.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Malvertising<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">The practice of spreading ransomware through malicious advertising, or malvertising is gaining popularity. The same platform and resources that are used to show legitimate ads online are also used by malvertising.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typically, attackers buy advertising space connected to an exploit kit. The exploit kit scans your system when clicking on the advertisement to gather data on your operating systems and other things. Malvertising plays a significant role in the spread of many ransomware attacks, such as <\/span><a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/revil-group\/\"><b><span style=\"color: #183994;\">REvil group<\/span><\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/hive-ransomware\/\"><b><span style=\"color: #183994;\">Hive ransomware<\/span><\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Preventing Tips:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Update your operating systems, programs, and web browsers.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Unuseful plugins should be disabled.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Activate an ad blocker.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Turn on click-to-play plugins in your web browser to stop plugins like Java and Flash from starting up automatically.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Remote Desktop Protocol<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Another well-liked ransomware attack is remote desktop protocol, a communication protocol that enables network connections to other computers. RDP typically accepts connection requests via port 3389. Cybercriminals take advantage of this by searching the internet for desktops with exposed ports using port scanners. They then try to access the machine by taking advantage of security flaws or by using brute force attacks to decipher the login information.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">After getting access, typically, this entails deleting accessible backups, disabling programs and other security tools, and installing the ransomware. They might leave a backdoor that they can access later.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Prevention Tips:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To <\/span><a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/how-to-keep-your-password-safe-from-hackers\/\"><b><span style=\"color: #183994;\">keep your password safe<\/span><\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, use strong and different passwords.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">From the default port 3389, change the RDP port.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Enable RDP only when necessary.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Apply VPN<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">For remote sessions, enable two-factor authentication.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_Ransomware_Spreads_Prevention\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>How Does Ransomware Spreads: Prevention<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-8494\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"858\" height=\"694\" src=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/stop-ransom-ware-top.png\" alt=\"how ransomware spreads\" class=\"wp-image-8494\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">(Source: CISA)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Most victims don\u2019t know what to do if they are facing a ransomware attack. During a ransomware attack, you will have to pay a particular amount to get the data back. However, an organization can take a few steps to prevent ransomware attacks.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Stop Ransomware Spreading<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">The first thing that you should do is isolate the infected computer to stop the ransomware attack. By isolating the devices, the attackers can not steal more data and demand a higher ransom.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Identifying The Attack<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">It is important for the organization or the user to first identify what type of attack and malware it is. Once they analyze it, then your organization can start working on removing the malware or contacting the attackers.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Employee Awareness<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most attacks that have been conducted were possible only through the mistakes of the employees that had been made. So, it is important for you to provide your employees with <\/span><a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/ransomware-awareness-and-simulation\"><b><span style=\"color: #183994;\">ransomware awareness and simulation<\/span><\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Multiple Backups of Data<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Make sure that your organization makes multiple backups of the data on different systems or networks. Also, have a great security system in your organization.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Final Thoughts<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">There are numerous ways that ransomware spreads. Malicious attachments, phishing links, and removable devices are some of the attack vectors that depend on human error. No matter how ransomware spreads, there are a number of steps you can take to lower your risk of getting infected and lessen the impact of an attack.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_How_Ransomware_Spreads\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>FAQs: How Ransomware Spreads?<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1673242010800\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How will I know if my system is infected with ransomware?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">There will be a message that the attackers left to contact them. Also, you will notice that your system is working slowly.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1673242029250\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How does ransomware <\/strong>work<strong>?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Ransomware is malware that is designed to encrypt the files on the computer system and deny access to the owner. Once the system has been encrypted, the attacker will ask for a payment, after which you will have access to the data on the computer.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1673242054339\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What to do if the system is infected with ransomware?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">First of all, you should isolate the system so that the malware doesn\u2019t affect other systems or networks. Then reach out to the attackers for negotiation and get your data back.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1673242084882\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can hackers steal data through ransomware?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The hackers can steal data through ransomware if the organization denies paying the ransom amount. They use the stolen data to sell it outside, from which they get a hefty amount.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1673242109156\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How will I decrypt the files?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You will get the instructions from the attacker along with a key to decrypt the file on your system.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1673242169438\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How will I pay the ransom amount?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The attacker will ask for the ransom amount with a particular payment method that will be available there.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ransomware attacks are increasing day by day. A ransomware attack is a type of cyber attack in which the hacker encrypts the user&#8217;s or organization&#8217;s entire file and asks them to pay a ransom. Then one question comes in mind that how does ransomware spreads? This type of attack is on the rise because many [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":8495,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[44],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8493","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ransomware"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How Does Ransomware Spread? Avoid These Costly Mistakes<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ransomware is on the rise. 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