Gartner Insights Abstract

How to Prepare for Ransomware Attacks

Published: 16 April 2024

Summary

Bad actors have changed tactics and in some cases are shifting to extortionware. SRM leaders must prepare for ransomware attacks by improving their detect and prevent capabilities, but also evolve their postincident playbooks.

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Overview

Key Findings
  • Extortionware (encryption-free, data theft attack) is a growing tactic being used by bad actors.

  • Bad actors are mining exfiltrated data to identify other potential sources of revenue.

  • Phishing, remote attacks on public-facing infrastructure, and unauthorized remote desktop connections continue to be the primary sources of infiltration for ransomware.

  • The cost of recovery and resulting downtime in the aftermath of a ransomware attack, and the cost of the reputational damage, can amount to 10 times the amount of the ransom itself.

Recommendations

Security and risk management leaders must focus on all three stages of a ransomware attack:

  • Get ready for ransomware attacks by

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Analysts:

Paul Furtado

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