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Ransomware has been around for over 35 years, with the first attack reported in 1989! nown as the “AIDS Trojan” or “P.C. Cyborg,” this early type of ransomware was distributed via 20,000 floppy disks mailed to attendees of a World Health Organisation AIDS conference. While it seems almost unusual by todayâs standards, it laid the groundwork for what has become one of the most persistent and damaging cyber threats facing businesses today.
2017 saw one of the most significant ransomware outbreaks in history, WannaCry, causing global disruption and millions in damages – crippling hospitals, businesses, and governments in over 150 countries.
With new tactics and strategies constantly emerging, staying aware of the risks and taking proactive steps to safeguard your business has never been more important. Itâs not just a tech issue, but a business one.
In this article, we cover the top 6 common types of ransomware to help you understand how each type operates, how to spot the warning signs early and better protect your business from costly attacks.
Today, information is just as valuable (if not more) than gold. And cybercriminals know exactly how to exploit it.
Ransomware is a type of malicious software (or “malware”) that is designed to infiltrate a computer system, lock up or encrypt your files, and hold them âhostageâ until a ransom is paid. It is essentially a digital form of extortion where your own data is used against you.
Payment is usually demanded in cryptocurrency, making it much harder to trace. In most cases, the attackers threaten to delete, leak or sell stolen data and intellectual property if their demands arenât met.
Ransomware might sound complex, but at its core, it follows a fairly straightforward (and sneaky) process. Like any cyber threat, ransomware starts with infection, or an initial infection vector. This is refers to where and how the attacker gained access to your system, network or data. It can happen in several ways, including:
Once the ransomware has gained access, it quickly encrypts files across the system, making them completely inaccessible. Then comes the demand: a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. Without that key, recovering your data is extremely difficult and time-consuming, if not impossible.
Should you pay the ransom? When ransomware locks up critical systems or sensitive data, Itâs one of the toughest decisions a business may ever face.
There are many arguments both for and against paying. Some organisations feel they have no other choice, particularly if backups are outdated or if operations have come to a standstill. However, security experts and government bodies advise against making any payment.
Why? Simply because there is no guarantee you will even get your data back. You are dealing with criminals after all! And, even if access is restored, thereâs a high risk youâll be targeted again, either by the same attackers or others who know youâre willing to pay.
Then thereâs the ethical issue: paying ransoms directly funds criminal activity. It allows attackers to expand their operations, invest in more sophisticated tools, and launch further attacks, on others or even on you.
There are also serious legal implications to consider. Making or facilitating a ransomware payment may breach Commonwealth or state criminal laws, and could even result in criminal penalties if the payment is made to individuals or groups subject to Australian autonomous sanctions.
If your organisation is considering payingâor has already paidâa ransom, itâs important to follow these steps:
Ransomware isnât a one-size-fits-all threat. It comes in many forms, each with its own tactics, targets, and level of damage. A survey done by Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) reported responding to 121 ransomware incidents in 2023-2024, a 3% increase from the previous year. These incidents made up around 11% of all cybersecurity cases the ASD dealt with, highlighting just how prevalent and persistent this type of threat has become.
With so many variants in play and new ones emerging constantly, awareness is key. Knowing how different types of ransomware operate gives you and your team the upper hand when it comes to prevention and response.
Here are the most common types of ransomware every business should be aware of:
This is one of the most common (and destructive) forms of ransomware. Crypto ransomware encrypts your files and data, rendering everything inaccessible until a ransom is paid. Without a unique decryption key, your data stays locked. These attacks can be devastating, especially if backups arenât available or up-to-date.
Notable examples:
Unlike encryptors, Locker ransomware doesnât go after your files directly. Instead, it locks you out of your entire system. You canât access applications, data, or even basic system functions. Typically, a full-screen ransom message appears, often with a countdown clock to increase urgency and pressure.
The most common example is WinLocker, which disables access to your desktop and displays a fake law enforcement message claiming illegal activity has been detected. Victims are told to pay a “fine” to regain access. While Locker ransomware doesnât usually encrypt files, it can be just as disruptive, especially in business settings where downtime means lost productivity and revenue.
Scareware plays on an individualâs fear and confusion. It often poses as fake antivirus software, warning you of âdetected issuesâ on your system, where you have to pay a fee to fix the (nonexistent) problem. Some versions of this ransomware will lock your screen, while others bombard you with pop-ups, hoping youâll give in and pay.
Doxware, also known as leakware, is a form of ransomware that threatens to release sensitive personal or business information online if the ransom isnât paid. Understandably, this can cause panic, especially for businesses handling private client data, intellectual property, or financial records.
Maze ransomware is a well-known double-extortion tactic that not only encrypts data but also downloads it before making ransom demands. If the victim refuses to pay, the attackers publish the stolen data on public leak sites or sell it on the dark web. Maze set a dangerous precedent by combining traditional encryption with the threat of public data exposure, making it a particularly nasty variant.
Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) is a model where âprofessionalâ hackers create and sell ready-to-use ransomware. The original developer gets a cut of the ransom, and the affiliate gets access to powerful tools without needing much technical expertise. In some cases, the hacker handles everything from distributing the ransomware and accessing the files to collecting the ransom and providing the decryption key.
This model has led to a surge in attacks, as cybercrime becomes more accessible and profitable for a wider range of criminals. Itâs no longer just seasoned hackers launching attacks. With low barriers to entry and high potential payouts, anyone with access to a dark web marketplace and a bit of motivation can become an affiliate and wreak havoc on unprepared businesses.
With the rise of remote work and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies, the risk of ransomware attacks targeting mobile devices is greater than ever, especially for businesses that arenât actively managing or securing employee-owned devices connected to their networks.
These attacks can lock smartphones or tablets, display fake security warnings, or encrypt mobile data, making it inaccessible until payment is made. Apps downloaded outside of trusted app stores, malicious links in SMS messages, and unsecured public Wi-Fi networks are all common entry points.
When people hear the word âransom,â they often think only of the dollar figure attached to getting their data back. But the reality is, the cost of a ransomware attack goes far beyond the ransom itself. It can ripple through every part of a business.
With cybersecurity itâs not a matter of if, but when. Ransomware is a persistent threat, and the consequences far far-reaching. But there are several proactive steps you can take to build a solid defence and reduce the risk of an attack.
Weâve seen it first-hand. AI, Automation and everything in between –Â attackers are getting smarter, faster, and more strategic.
The popularity of AI has exploded in recent years and cybercriminals are taking full advantage. AI is now being used to automate and enhance ransomware attacks, making them faster, more targeted, and harder to detect. With machine learning, attackers can quickly scan for vulnerabilities, mimic human behaviour in phishing emails, and even adapt their strategies in real time. The scary part? These attacks can be launched at scale, with minimal effort.
Ransomware has evolved, combining multiple tactics for maximum pressure and profit. Attackers not only encrypt your data but also steal it, threatening to leak sensitive information online and even targeting your clients, vendors, or stakeholders, demanding additional payments or launching separate attacks to multiply the impact. These layered tactics make it harder for businesses to ignore the threat and significantly increase the urgency and stakes of a ransomware incident.
Ransomware isnât going anywhere, and as long as thereâs valuable information, there will always be risk. While awareness is essential, the reality is that implementing and managing robust cybersecurity measures are just as critical.
But, it can be complex and time-consuming, especially for busy businesses without dedicated in-house IT security teams. At CRT Network Solutions, our team of experts is dedicated to helping businesses like yours stay protected. With proactive monitoring and threat detection to tailored IT support and managed security services, weâre here to give you peace of mind, so you can focus on running your business, not fighting off cyber threats.
Get in touch with our team today to learn how our managed IT security services can keep ransomware and other cyber risks at bay.
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