ransomware2

When encryption becomes your countermeasure

Ransomware ISO 27001 Cybersecurity

    The Digital Hostage Situation No One Sees Coming

    Ransomware encrypts an organization’s files and demands a financial ransom to restore access. In 2024, the average cost of an attack exceeded $4.5 million, including downtime, recovery, and reputational damage.

    Most concerning: the average amount of time an attacker remains in the network before activating encryption is 21 days. Three weeks observing, exfiltrating data, and positioning themselves before pulling the trigger.

    The Most Uncomfortable Problem

    4
    M$
    average cost per incident
    21
    days hidden in the network
    66
    %
    organizations affected in 2024

    How a Modern Ransomware Attack Works

    A convincing email or an unprotected RDP port is enough. 82% of attacks begin with compromised credentials or social engineering.

    The attacker moves through the network for weeks, escalates privileges, disables backups, and maps the most critical assets before launching the attack.

    Files are encrypted AND the attacker threatens to publish the exfiltrated data. Double extortion means backups alone are no longer sufficient as the only line of defense.

    5 Controls That Dramatically Reduce Risk

    3 copies, on 2 different types of media, with 1 copy offline and isolated. Without encryption-resistant backups, paying the ransom may become the only way out.

    Prevents lateral movement. If an attacker compromises one endpoint, they should not be able to reach critical systems without additional authentication.

    80% of attacks could have been stopped with MFA. It is one of the cybersecurity measures with the best cost-benefit ratio.

    A response plan stored on an encrypted server is useless. It must be accessible offline and tested at least once a year through realistic exercises.

    El ransomware tiene patrones reconocibles antes del cifrado. Detectarlo durante los 21 days de dwell time lo cambia todo.

    pexels-thales13-37787963
    “The question is no longer whether your organization will be attacked. It is whether you will be prepared when it happens.”
    ENISA Threat Landscape Report, 2024
    Fraud Scam Phishing Caution Deception Concept

    Do You Know How ISO 27001 Helps You Prepare for Emerging Threats?

    Assess Your Maturity Level

    Subscribe to our newsletter