What Does Ransomware Do to an Endpoint Device?

Ransomware is a major cybersecurity threat that can devastate endpoint devices like desktops, laptops, and servers. It can lock you out of your files, disrupt your business operations, and result in significant financial losses.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss ransomware, how it works, and the impact it can have on endpoint devices. 

By understanding the risks and taking proactive measures, you can better protect your 

organization from a ransomware attack.

So, what does ransomware do to an endpoint device, and how can you prevent it from wreaking havoc on your personal information, business, and finances? Keep reading to find out. Let’s start by defining ransomware and providing some examples of high-profile cases that have occurred over the past several years. 

Key Takeaways

• Ransomware encrypts files, locks devices, and disrupts operations, demanding payment for recovery.
• Types of ransomware include crypto, locker, scareware, and leakware, each with unique attack methods.
• Ransomware spreads through phishing emails, malicious websites, software vulnerabilities, and weak RDP credentials.
• The impacts of ransomware include data inaccessibility, system disruptions, financial losses, and reputational damage.
• Preventing ransomware requires measures like updating software, using multi-layered security, and educating employees.
• Regular, secure, and tested backups are essential for recovering from ransomware attacks without paying the ransom.

What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is malware that encrypts your files and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. Once your files are encrypted, you cannot access them without the key, holding your data hostage until you pay the ransom.

Cybercriminals typically distribute ransomware through phishing emails, malicious websites, or 

exploiting software vulnerabilities. 

When ransomware infects your endpoint device, it quickly encrypts your files and displays a ransom note with instructions on how to make the payment, usually in cryptocurrency. Let’s take a look at some recent examples of high-profile ransomware cases. 

Examples of Ransomware

Over the years, several high-profile ransomware strains have caused widespread damage and made headlines worldwide. 

Here are a few notable examples:

WannaCry

In 2017, the WannaCry ransomware attack affected over 200,000 computers across 150 countries. It exploited a vulnerability in the Windows operating system and spread rapidly through networks, causing billions of dollars in damages.

Petya

Petya is a ransomware family that first emerged in 2016. It targets a computer’s master boot record (MBR) and prevents the operating system from booting up. In 2017, a variant called NotPetya caused significant disruptions to businesses and government agencies worldwide.

CryptoLocker

CryptoLocker, which first appeared in 2013, was one of the early and most successful ransomware strains. It targeted Windows computers and encrypted files, demanding a ransom payment in Bitcoin. CryptoLocker inspired many subsequent ransomware variants.

Types of Ransomware

Ransomware comes in various forms, each with its method of attack and impact on your endpoint devices. The most common types include crypto, locker, scareware, and leakware ransomware attacks.  

Let’s discuss the most common types of ransomware you may encounter.

Crypto Ransomware

Crypto ransomware is the most prevalent type of ransomware. It encrypts your files, making them inaccessible without the decryption key. 

The attackers then demand a ransom payment in exchange for the key. 

Crypto ransomware can target many file types, including documents, photos, videos, and databases. Examples of crypto ransomware include CryptoLocker, Locky, and WannaCry.

Locker Ransomware

Locker ransomware, or screen lockers, doesn’t encrypt your files. Instead, it locks you out of your device entirely, preventing you from accessing your files, applications, and system settings. 

The ransomware displays a message on your screen demanding payment to unlock your device. Locker ransomware is less common than crypto ransomware but can still cause significant disruption to your operations.

Scareware

Scareware is a type of ransomware that tricks you into believing your device is infected with malware or has other security issues. 

It displays fake alerts and pop-up messages claiming that your system is at risk and demands payment for a solution. 

Scareware often masquerades as legitimate antivirus software, tricking you into downloading and installing the malicious program.

Leakware/Doxware

Leakware, or doxware, is a particularly nasty form of ransomware that threatens to publish your sensitive data online if you don’t pay the ransom. 

The attackers may steal confidential information, such as financial records, customer data, or personal files, and threaten to publicly release or sell them on the dark web. Leakware attacks can have severe consequences for your reputation and legal liability.

Now that we know the most common types of ransomware that affect endpoint devices, let’s determine how these malicious attacks infect your devices in the first place. 

How Does Ransomware Infect Endpoint Devices?

Ransomware can infect your endpoint devices through various methods, exploiting vulnerabilities and human errors to gain unauthorized access. 

These methods include phishing emails, malicious websites, software vulnerabilities, RDP attacks, and compromised ads. 

Understanding these infection vectors is key to implementing effective preventive measures and reducing your risk of falling victim to a ransomware attack.

Here’s how ransomware infects endpoint devices: 

Phishing Emails and Social Engineering Tactics

Phishing emails remain one of the most common methods ransomware uses to infiltrate endpoint devices. These deceptive emails are crafted to look legitimate, often impersonating trusted organizations or individuals. 

They trick users into opening malicious attachments or clicking links that lead to infected websites. Attackers frequently employ social engineering tactics, such as creating a sense of urgency or fear, to encourage quick, careless actions.

How to Protect Yourself

• Train employees to recognize phishing attempts
• Implement email filtering solutions
• Watch for red flags like generic greetings, unexpected requests, or poor grammar.

Malicious Websites and Drive-By Downloads

Cybercriminals use malicious websites to deliver ransomware through techniques like drive-by downloads, which automatically install malware when a user visits an infected site. 

Another strategy, malvertising, involves embedding malicious code into seemingly legitimate online ads, which can redirect users to infected websites or initiate malware downloads.

How to Protect Yourself

• Use ad-blocking software
• Avoid clicking on suspicious ads or links
• Ensure browsers and operating systems are updated with the latest security patches.

Exploit Kits Targeting Software Vulnerabilities

Exploit kits are automated tools that scan devices for unpatched vulnerabilities in software and operating systems. When weaknesses are identified, these kits deliver ransomware payloads that can quickly encrypt files and demand payment.

How to Protect Yourself

• Regularly update software and enable automatic updates to patch vulnerabilities.
• Use vulnerability scanning tools to identify and address weaknesses proactively.

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Attacks

RDP is a valuable tool for remote access but is often exploited by attackers using weak or stolen credentials. Once cybercriminals gain access to a device via RDP, they deploy ransomware, encrypt files, and lock users out of their systems.

How to Protect Yourself

• Use strong, unique passwords
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
• Restrict RDP access to trusted users and networks
• Consider encrypting remote connections via a VPN.

Malicious Ads and Compromised Websites

Ransomware can also infect devices through compromised websites or malicious ads. Clicking on these ads or visiting infected sites can trigger automatic ransomware downloads, often without the user’s awareness.

How to Protect Yourself

• Avoid untrusted websites
• Refrain from clicking on ads
• Deploy robust ad-blocking and anti-malware tools.

Let’s now move on and discuss ransomware’s impacts on an endpoint device. 

How Ransomware Affects Endpoint Devices

Ransomware can profoundly impact your endpoint devices, disrupting their functionality, compromising data integrity, and causing widespread security issues. 

Understanding these effects is crucial for creating an effective defense strategy to mitigate the risks and minimize the damage caused by an attack. Here’s how ransomware affects endpoint devices: 

Data Encryption and Inaccessibility

One of ransomware’s primary effects is data encryption. Using advanced encryption algorithms, ransomware locks your files, rendering them unreadable and inaccessible without the decryption key. 

Critical files such as documents, media, and databases are often targeted, leaving individuals and organizations unable to operate effectively. This encryption process can happen rapidly, often within minutes of infection, exacerbating the damage.

System and Network Disruption

Ransomware can severely disrupt your device’s functionality and network operations. During the encryption process, the malware can consume system resources, causing significant slowdowns, freezes, or even crashes. 

Variants like locker ransomware can block access to the entire device, rendering it unusable. If the ransomware spreads across your network, multiple systems may experience downtime, interrupting business operations and productivity.

Spread to Other Devices

Certain ransomware variants, such as WannaCry and NotPetya, can propagate across networks and infect multiple devices. 

This lateral movement amplifies the scope of the attack, potentially bringing entire organizations to a standstill. The ability to spread rapidly makes these ransomware types particularly devastating.

Financial and Reputational Consequences

The financial costs of a ransomware attack extend far beyond the ransom payment. Businesses may face substantial recovery costs, including hiring cybersecurity experts and restoring systems. 

Downtime caused by the attack can lead to lost revenue and decreased productivity. If sensitive data is stolen or leaked, organizations may incur legal penalties, regulatory fines, and significant damage to their reputation, leading to long-term consequences.

Disablement of Security Measures

To ensure its success, ransomware may disable or bypass your security software, including antivirus programs, firewalls, and other protective measures. 

The ransomware can operate undetected by neutralizing these defenses, making it harder to contain and remove. This undermines the overall security of your endpoint devices and leaves your system vulnerable to further attacks.

Persistence and Survival Mechanisms

Some ransomware variants are designed to persist even after initial removal attempts. They may install backdoors or hide deep within the system to survive reboots and maintain control. This persistence makes it challenging to fully remove the ransomware and restore devices to a clean state.

With the impacts of ransomware clearly defined, let’s discuss how to prevent ransomware from infecting your device. 

How to Prevent Ransomware

Preventing ransomware infections on your endpoint devices requires a proactive and comprehensive approach. Keeping software updated, using reputable antivirus software, and educating your employees about cybersecurity best practices are just some of the preventative measures you can take. 

Here are some key steps you can take to reduce your risk of falling victim to a ransomware attack:

Keep Software and Operating Systems Updated

One of the most effective ways to prevent ransomware is to keep your software and operating systems up to date with the latest security patches. 

Cybercriminals constantly exploit known vulnerabilities to deliver ransomware payloads. Installing security patches promptly helps close these gaps and reduces your attack surface.

Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure you receive the latest patches as soon as they become available. Regularly check for and install updates for your web browsers, browser plugins, and other commonly used applications.

Use Reputable Antivirus and Anti-Malware Solutions

Implementing robust endpoint protection is another critical step in preventing ransomware infections. 

Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware solutions that offer real-time scanning, behavioral analysis, and heuristic detection capabilities. These tools can identify and block known and emerging ransomware threats before they can encrypt your files.

Keep your antivirus and anti-malware software up to date with the latest threat definitions to ensure maximum protection against the ever-evolving ransomware landscape. 

Consider using a comprehensive endpoint security solution that includes features like application whitelisting, which only allows approved applications to run on your devices.

Educate Employees on Cybersecurity Best Practices

Your employees play a critical role as the first line of defense against ransomware attacks. To bolster your organization’s security posture, provide regular security awareness training that emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity best practices and helps employees identify potential threats.

For example, teach them how to recognize phishing attempts, such as suspicious emails 

containing malicious attachments or links. 

Stress the importance of not clicking on or opening such files, even if they appear to come from trusted sources. Additionally, encourage employees to promptly report any suspicious activity or potential security incidents to your IT or security team.

Fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and vigilance throughout your organization is essential. The persistence of ransomware as a major threat underscores the need for ongoing employee education and a proactive approach to maintaining a secure work environment.

Implement Strong Access Controls

Strengthening access controls is another vital step in minimizing the spread and impact of ransomware infections. 

Start by enforcing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all user accounts, especially those with administrative privileges. MFA enhances security by requiring an additional verification step, such as entering a code sent to a mobile device, before granting access.

In addition, apply the principle of least privilege by granting users only the permissions necessary to perform their job functions. 

Regularly review and adjust user permissions to ensure they remain appropriate as roles and responsibilities change. Limit administrative privileges strictly to those who absolutely need them to reduce the risk of unauthorized access and ransomware proliferation.

Maintain Regular Data Backups

Regularly backing up your data is critical for ensuring recovery in the event of a ransomware attack. Make it a priority to back up all critical data, including documents, photos, and system configurations, to an external storage device or a secure cloud-based service. 

To further safeguard these backups, store them offline or on separate networks to prevent ransomware from encrypting them alongside your primary data.

Testing your backups regularly is just as important as creating them. This ensures that they function correctly and can be restored when needed. Following the 3-2-1 backup rule is a proven strategy: maintain at least three copies of your data, store them on two different types of media, and keep one copy offsite. 

A reliable and up-to-date backup strategy can significantly mitigate the damage caused by a successful ransomware attack, reducing downtime and avoiding the need to pay a ransom.

These are all great ways to protect your devices from ransomware, but what can you do if your endpoint device is already compromised? 

What to Do if Your Endpoint Device Is Infected With Ransomware

If you suspect your endpoint device has been infected with ransomware, acting quickly and decisively is important to minimize the damage and prevent the malware from spreading to other devices on your network.

Here are the immediate steps if ransomware has taken over your device. 

Isolate the Infected Device

The first step is to disconnect the infected device from the network and the internet. This helps prevent the ransomware from spreading to other devices and stops any communication between the malware and its command and control servers. Turn off Wi-Fi, unplug Ethernet cables, and disable Bluetooth on the affected device.

Report the Attack

Next, notify your IT department, managed service provider, or cybersecurity team immediately. They can initiate the incident response plan and guide you through the recovery process. 

If you don’t have dedicated IT support, consider contacting a professional cybersecurity firm to assist with the investigation and remediation.

Depending on the nature of the data affected and your industry, you may be legally required to report the ransomware attack to relevant authorities, such as law enforcement agencies or regulatory bodies.

Identify the Ransomware Strain

Attempt to identify the specific ransomware strain that has infected your device. This information can help determine if a decryption tool is available.

Look for any ransom notes or messages displayed by the malware, as they often contain identifying information or instructions for contacting the attackers.

Research the ransomware strain online, consulting reputable cybersecurity websites and forums. Some ransomware variants have known weaknesses or decryption keys that security researchers or law enforcement agencies have released.

Restore from Backups

If you have maintained regular data backups, you can restore your files from a clean backup without paying the ransom. However, it is important to ensure that the backups themselves have not been infected or encrypted by the ransomware.

Use a clean device to restore your data from the most recent uninfected backup. 

This may involve wiping the infected device and reinstalling the operating system before restoring the backup. Follow your organization’s established backup and recovery procedures, or seek guidance from your IT support or cybersecurity team.

Now that you know the immediate steps to take in the event of a ransomware attack, let’s discuss the best methods for MSPs to protect their SMB clients. 

How Can MSPs Protect Their Clients from Ransomware?

As an MSP, you are vital in safeguarding your clients’ endpoint devices from ransomware attacks. Implementing a comprehensive security strategy that addresses multiple layers of defense is key to minimizing the risk and impact of ransomware infections.

Some of the most effective methods include using multi-layered security solutions, proactively monitoring client networks, and providing security awareness training.

Here’s how MSPs can protect their clients from ransomware: 

Implement Multi-Layered Security Solutions

A strong defense against ransomware starts with combining multiple security tools to create layered protection. 

This approach includes:

• Antivirus Software: Detects and blocks known malware before it can cause harm.
• Firewalls: Configures network traffic rules to prevent unauthorized access.
• Email Filtering: Prevents phishing emails and malicious attachments from reaching users.
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Monitors for advanced threats and provides rapid incident response.

By integrating these tools into a unified solution, you can create a robust security ecosystem that addresses a wide range of ransomware threats.

Monitor Client Networks 24/7

Proactive monitoring is critical for detecting and mitigating ransomware threats before they cause significant damage. 

Use Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions to collect and analyze log data from various systems, identifying anomalies and suspicious activities in real time.

Establish a Security Operations Center (SOC) or partner with a Managed Detection and Response (MDR) provider to ensure round-the-clock monitoring, ransomware protection, and rapid incident response.

Provide Security Awareness Training

Employee education is one of the most effective ways to prevent ransomware attacks. Conduct regular training sessions for your clients and their teams on topics such as:

• Identifying phishing emails and suspicious links.
• Practicing safe browsing habits.
• Using strong, unique passwords.
• The importance of timely software updates.

Occasionally, simulate phishing attacks to test employee awareness and reinforce key concepts. Given that 77% of MSPs struggle with managing multiple cybersecurity tools, streamlining your security stack can help free up resources for delivering effective training.

Develop and Test Incident Response Plans

A well-prepared incident response plan can significantly reduce the impact of a ransomware attack. 

This plan should include detailed procedures for:

• Isolating infected devices to prevent further spread.
• Notifying key stakeholders and affected parties.
• Conducting forensic investigations to understand the attack vector.
• Restoring data from backups to minimize downtime.

Regularly test the plan through tabletop exercises and simulated scenarios to ensure it remains effective and up to date. Identifying gaps in the plan during these tests allows for continuous improvement.

Ensure Regular and Secure Data Backups

A reliable backup strategy is essential for minimizing data loss during a ransomware attack. To prevent encryption by ransomware, use a combination of local and offsite backups, ensuring they are stored on separate networks or air-gapped systems.

Regularly test the backups to confirm their integrity and usability during recovery efforts. 

Also, consider implementing immutable backups, which cannot be altered or deleted, even by administrators. This ensures data recovery remains possible even in the face of advanced ransomware variants.

Protect Your Clients with Comprehensive Cybersecurity

Employ comprehensive security such as Guardz, which provides all-in-one cybersecurity solutions designed to protect endpoint devices from ransomware. With multi-layered defenses, 24/7 monitoring, and robust recovery tools, Guardz ensures your clients’ data remains secure and recoverable.

Final Thoughts on What Ransomware Does to an Endpoint Device

Ransomware is a dangerous and evolving cybersecurity threat that can wreak havoc on endpoint devices, disrupting operations, encrypting critical data, and leaving businesses and individuals with significant financial and reputational damage. 

Understanding how ransomware operates, from its various types to how it infiltrates systems and the impacts it causes, is essential for implementing effective defense strategies.

Proactive measures like maintaining strong access controls, educating employees about cybersecurity best practices, and investing in advanced multi-layered security solutions can greatly reduce the risk of ransomware attacks. Additionally, regularly testing and securing data backups ensures organizations can recover quickly without succumbing to ransom demands.

By staying informed and vigilant, both individuals and organizations can protect their endpoint devices from falling victim to ransomware. As the threats continue to evolve, a comprehensive and proactive approach to cybersecurity is the key to minimizing risk and ensuring data integrity.

Use Guardz to provide your clients with comprehensive cybersecurity solutions. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Immutable Backups, And Why Are They Important?

Immutable backups are a type of data backup that cannot be altered, deleted, or overwritten, even by administrators. These backups are critical because they provide an extra layer of security against ransomware that might target and encrypt or delete backup files, ensuring data recovery remains possible.

How Can Ransomware Persist Even After Removal Attempts?

Some ransomware variants use persistence mechanisms, such as backdoors or hidden system files, to survive reboots and removal attempts. These mechanisms allow the ransomware to continue encrypting files or spreading through networks, making it vital to fully clean systems and monitor for residual threats.

Can Antivirus Software Alone Prevent Ransomware Attacks?

While antivirus software is an important tool in ransomware prevention, it is not enough on its own. A comprehensive approach, including multi-factor authentication, employee training, regular updates, and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools, is necessary to effectively defend against sophisticated ransomware threats.

How Do Simulated Phishing Tests Help in Preventing Ransomware?

Simulated phishing tests are training exercises that mimic real phishing attacks to assess and improve employee awareness. These tests help organizations identify vulnerabilities in their teams’ responses and reinforce best practices for recognizing and avoiding phishing attempts that may deliver ransomware.

Is Paying the Ransom Ever a Recommended Option?

Paying the ransom is generally not recommended, as it does not guarantee data recovery and may encourage further criminal activities. Instead, focus on restoring data from secure backups and working with cybersecurity professionals to mitigate the attack.

How Can MSPs Tailor Ransomware Defense Strategies for SMB Clients?

MSPs can tailor ransomware defense strategies by assessing each client’s specific vulnerabilities, implementing multi-layered security solutions, and providing ongoing education. Small and medium-sized businesses often have unique needs, making it essential for MSPs to adapt security measures to align with their budgets and operational requirements.