Ransomware – How the Attacks Work and How to Protect Yourself

Cyberattacks can take many forms. Some temporarily render websites and digital services inaccessible. Others can have significantly more serious consequences when unauthorized individuals gain access to an organization’s systems and obtain sensitive information.

Furthermore, many of the most serious attacks begin with something that seems completely normal. An employee clicks on a link, opens an attachment, or downloads a file from a website that looks legitimate.

It's rarely the click itself that causes the most damage. It's what happens afterward.

That is why ransomware remains one of the most serious cyber threats to Swedish companies and organizations. Attackers can remain in the digital environment for a long time before the attack is detected. During that time, they gather information, map out systems, and prepare their next move.

What is ransomware?

Ransomware, also known as extortion software, is a type of cyberattack in which attackers can lock or encrypt a company's files and demand a ransom.

But modern ransomware attacks often involve more than just making files inaccessible. Attackers can also steal sensitive information and threaten to publish it if the company does not pay.

This means that a company can be at risk long before anyone realizes that something is wrong.

How does a ransomware attack work?

1. First, the attackers find a way in

It can start with a credible email, a link, a downloaded file, or a vulnerability in a system that hasn't been updated.

The goal is often to gain access to a single user, a single device, or a single account. That may be enough for the attackers to proceed.

2. Next, they assess the environment

Once the attackers have gained access, they begin to investigate the organization's digital environment.

They are looking for answers to questions such as:

What systems are used?
Where is the organization’s most important information stored?
Which users have administrator privileges?
What is the backup procedure?
Are there other accounts or devices that can be accessed?

This phase can last for several days or weeks without the business noticing anything.

3. Then they steal information

In modern ransomware attacks, encryption often occurs only at the very end.

Before that happens, the attackers may have copied customer data, internal documents, personal information, or other sensitive information. The information can then be used for blackmail or threats of disclosure.

This means that an effective backup system is not always enough. A backup can help a business restore its systems, but it does not eliminate the risk that stolen information will be disseminated.

4. Finally, the attack itself is carried out

Only then does the part that usually makes the headlines come into play.

Systems are encrypted. Services stop working. The business cannot access its files, and a ransom demand is sent.

But by the time this happens, the attackers may already have gained access to large parts of the organization’s digital environment and stolen the information they are after.

Why does this have such significant consequences?

A ransomware attack rarely affects only the IT department. When critical systems stop working, work can come to a standstill, deliveries can be delayed, and customers may not receive the help they need.

Even after systems have been restored, questions often remain about what information was stolen, who is affected, and whether the incident needs to be reported. The consequences can therefore be both financial and long-lasting. It is not only large companies that are affected. Small and medium-sized enterprises can also be attractive targets, especially if attackers find vulnerabilities that make it easy to gain access.

How can companies reduce the risk of ransomware?

Protect User Accounts and Permissions

Use MFA, preferably phishing-resistant login methods such as passkeys whenever possible. Also, make sure that employees only have access to the information and systems they need.

Keep your systems and devices up to date

Install security updates regularly. Otherwise, known security vulnerabilities in outdated systems and software can provide attackers with a way in.

Train employees

Many attacks start with an email, a link, or a download that seems legitimate. Help your employees recognize warning signs and know how to respond if something seems off.

Detect suspicious activity in time

By monitoring user accounts, devices, and networks, it is possible to detect unusual logins and other signs of intrusion before the damage becomes more severe.

Have a plan in case something happens

Make sure it is clear who does what in the event of a security incident. Keep secure backups, test that the information can be restored, and practice how the company should respond to an attack.

Detect the attack before the damage becomes severe

Perhaps the most important lesson is that a ransomware attack often begins long before a company's files are locked.

That is why IT security is not just about stopping attacks, but also about detecting suspicious activity in a timely manner and limiting the damage if someone manages to gain access.

“Many people still think that a ransomware attack begins when files are encrypted. In reality, the attack often begins much earlier. It’s about detecting suspicious activity early on and limiting how far attackers can go if they do manage to gain a foothold.”

– Håkon Haakensen, security consultant at Upheads

[ How well protected is your business? ]

Would you like to gain a better understanding of your IT security and the risks you need to prioritize? We can help you assess your security and identify the right measures for your business.

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Written by:

Marcus Juvin

Head of Infrastructure & Security

040 - 626 75 23 marcus.juvin@upheads.se