Understanding and Defending Against Ransomware
Ransomware Attacks Are on the Rise — Are You Prepared?
Ransomware attacks have surged in recent years, targeting everything from small businesses to large corporations, as well as hospitals, public administrations, and local governments. The concept is as simple as it is devastating: encrypt your data and demand a ransom for access.
Faced with this ever-evolving threat, it’s essential to understand how ransomware works, the different types, the common infection vectors — and, most importantly, how to protect yourself. This article provides a full overview of the ransomware phenomenon, with a focus on training the cybersecurity experts of tomorrow, the core mission of CSB.SCHOOL.
What Is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malware designed to encrypt a user’s files or block system access. The goal? To demand a ransom (typically in cryptocurrency) in exchange for a decryption key or system unlock.
The French term “rançongiciel” combines “rançon” (ransom) and “logiciel” (software), and has been used since the early 2000s to describe this threat. Unlike other malware (like viruses, trojans, or spyware), ransomware doesn’t try to remain stealthy — it aims to maximize pressure on the victim.
Its objective is clear: financial extortion.
How Does a Ransomware Attack Work?
A typical ransomware attack involves several stages:
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Infiltration: The ransomware enters the system via an attack vector such as a phishing email, infected attachment, malicious website, unpatched vulnerability, or exposed RDP access.
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Execution: The malware installs silently, takes control of the system, and often spreads laterally across the network.
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Encryption: Files or the entire disk are encrypted. The victim loses access to data, now protected by an encryption key held by the attackers.
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Ransom Demand: A ransom note appears, informing the victim and demanding payment — usually in cryptocurrency — in exchange for a possible recovery.
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Double Extortion (Optional): In advanced attacks, data is stolen before encryption. Attackers then threaten to publish sensitive information if the ransom isn’t paid.
Types of Ransomware
Here’s a classification of common ransomware variants:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Crypto-ransomware | Encrypts files and demands a ransom for decryption |
| Locker ransomware | Locks the user out of their device entirely |
| Scareware | Mimics system alerts or police warnings to scare users into paying |
| Doxware (leakware) | Threatens to leak sensitive data unless a ransom is paid |
| Ransomware-as-a-Service | Platforms rented by cybercriminals to conduct attacks at scale |
Notorious Ransomware Attacks
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WannaCry (2017): Infected hundreds of thousands of machines via a Windows vulnerability.
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Ryuk: Frequently used in targeted attacks against large organizations.
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LockBit: Highly active during 2023–2024 with a RaaS (Ransomware-as-a-Service) model.
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Other infamous names: REvil, Petya, Conti, Maze, and more.
How Does Ransomware Infect a System?
Common infection vectors include:
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Phishing: Emails with malicious attachments or links.
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Malicious downloads: Software or files from untrusted sources.
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Compromised websites: Exploiting browser vulnerabilities.
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Exposed RDP ports: Without strong passwords or multi-factor authentication (MFA).
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Infected USB drives: Plugged into unprotected systems.
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Poor cybersecurity hygiene: Lack of updates, weak internal practices.
Consequences of a Ransomware Attack
The impact can be catastrophic:
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Data loss — sometimes permanent without reliable backups.
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Business paralysis — operations may halt for days or weeks.
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Major financial costs — including ransom, incident response, downtime.
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Reputational damage — lost trust from clients and partners.
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Legal risk — especially if personal data is compromised under GDPR.
Key Figures:
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1 ransomware attack occurs every 11 seconds worldwide (Cybersecurity Ventures)
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Average ransom paid in 2024: over €500,000 (Coveware)
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Average downtime: 23 days after an attack (IBM X-Force)
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Over 70% of French SMEs admit they are not adequately prepared
How to Protect Against Ransomware
No organization is completely immune — but simple, effective measures can drastically reduce the risk.
Technical Measures
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Use up-to-date security tools: antivirus, EDR, firewalls.
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Apply a strict patch management policy.
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Block execution of suspicious files (.exe, .js, .vbs…).
Backup Strategy
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Follow the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, on 2 different media, 1 offline.
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Regularly test your backup restorability.
Staff Awareness
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Conduct regular cybersecurity training.
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Organize phishing simulation campaigns.
Access Control
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Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA).
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Limit admin rights to what’s strictly necessary.
Incident Response Plan
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Define and test a cyber crisis management plan.
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Use incident response tools and expert partners.
What to Do If You’re Hit by a Ransomware Attack
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Isolate the infected system immediately
Disconnect affected devices to contain the spread. -
Do NOT pay the ransom
There’s no guarantee of data recovery, and it funds criminal activity. -
Report the incident to ANSSI and CNIL (if personal data is involved)
This is a legal obligation and helps coordinate national response efforts. -
Call in a specialized incident response provider
These experts have the tools and know-how to handle the attack. -
Restore from clean backups
Only use verified, malware-free copies to recover your systems safely.
Training Tomorrow’s Ransomware Responders: The Role of CSB.SCHOOL
Ransomware is not just a technical challenge — it’s a human one too. That’s why CSB.SCHOOL, a leading cybersecurity education institution, offers specialized programs to train the defenders of tomorrow.
Hands-On Learning
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Real-life attack simulations, crisis management exercises, and technical workshops.
Dedicated Cybersecurity Modules
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Designed by industry experts covering the latest threats and defenses.
Professional Career Tracks
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Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity (after a 2-year degree or integrated prep):
Learn foundational technical and organizational skills. -
Master’s in Cybersecurity Management (2 years):
Train to lead and secure information systems in complex environments.
By joining CSB.SCHOOL, students gain technical, strategic, and ethical competencies — becoming the digital guardians ready to face future cyber threats head-on.
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