Ransomware Detection: Techniques and Best Practices to Detect an Attack

In 2024, the average cost of a data breach soared to $4.88 million, making early ransomware detection and response non-negotiable parts of data security. 

The math is simple: the faster you identify a ransomware attack, the better you can safeguard your information, reduce damage, and avoid devastating financial losses. 

Learn how spotting ransomware quickly can be the difference between a minor disruption and a major disaster. 

What Is Ransomware Detection? 

Ransomware Detection is a proactive approach that helps identify the presence of malicious software designed to encrypt or block access to critical data. 

With 75% of companies hit by ransomware last year, early threat detection is essential. It involves using a combination of tools, techniques, and monitoring systems to spot early signs of ransomware activity before it can spread throughout an organization’s network. 

The Importance of Early Ransomware Detection 

With downtime costing businesses an average of $9,000 per minute*, every second an attack goes undetected can add up to significant losses. 

Early ransomware detection allows organizations to catch the malware before it has time to encrypt their files, and the earlier it's detected, the quicker IT teams can respond, isolating and containing the cyber threat. 

This prompt action: 

• Prevents long periods of operational disruption. 

• Safeguards your business's credibility and trust. 

• Protects critical files from encryption or deletion. 

• Minimizes costs tied to halted production and lost revenue. 

• Reduces ransomware recovery services or ransom payments. 

7 Common Signs of Ransomware Attacks 

Ransomware can encrypt nearly 100,000 files in less than 45 minutes*. Spotting the warning indicators before the malware fully takes hold can prevent severe damage and safeguard your data before it’s too late. 

Here are the seven signs to watch for: 

1. Prolonged file access or system performance: Ransomware consumes system resources while encrypting files, causing noticeable slowdowns. 

2. Files with strange or unrecognized extensions: Encrypted files may suddenly have unfamiliar extensions, indicating they’ve been compromised. 

3. Unexplained file renaming: Ransomware often renames files during encryption, making them unusable without a decryption key. 

4. Frequent system crashes or application failures: Malware activity can destabilize your system, causing crashes and unexpected software failures. 

5. Locked out of user accounts: Sudden loss of access to user accounts may indicate that ransomware has targeted and taken control of critical system credentials. 

6. Pop-up ransom messages or warnings: Cybercriminals often display ransom notes on infected systems, demanding payment in exchange for file decryption. 

7. Unusual network traffic spikes: A surge in outgoing network traffic could indicate ransomware is communicating with its command-and-control server. 

Ransomware Detection Techniques 

With the right detection methods in place, you can detect Ransomware before it wreaks havoc. Find below the four key techniques on how to detect Ransomware and protect your systems from catastrophic damage. 

Signature-Based Detection 

Signature-based detection scans for known malware signatures, unique patterns, or digital "fingerprints" left by ransomware. Security tools compare files against a vast signature database, flagging and blocking matches before they cause harm. 

While this method is effective against previously identified Ransomware, it falls short when new or modified strains emerge. Because Ransomware constantly evolves, relying solely on signature-based detection may leave organizations vulnerable to zero-day attacks. 

Behavior-Based Detection 

Behavior-based detection doesn't depend on known signatures. Instead, it monitors for unusual behaviors in the system that indicate a ransomware attack is underway. This could include abnormal file encryption, unexpected changes to file extensions, or unauthorized access to sensitive directories. 

By focusing on how Ransomware acts rather than how it looks, this technique excels at catching new or modified threats that signature-based systems might miss. However, constant monitoring is required to identify abnormal behaviors quickly. 

Detection by Abnormal Traffic 

Detecting through abnormal traffic monitoring focuses on spotting unusual patterns in network activity. Ransomware often communicates with external servers or spreads across networks, creating spikes in traffic, especially during encryption or data exfiltration attempts. 

This technique includes unexpected connections to suspicious IP addresses, abnormal file transfers, or unusually high bandwidth usage. It is essential because it allows early detection even before files are encrypted, minimizing downtime and financial loss. 

Deception-Based Detection 

Deception-based detection uses decoys, such as fake files or systems, to lure Ransomware into revealing itself. 

These traps are carefully placed to appear like valuable targets, tricking the malware into interacting with them. Once Ransomware engages with these decoys, it triggers an alert, allowing IT teams to respond before the real damage is done. 

It is highly effective because it relies on something other than prior knowledge of Ransomware. By baiting the attack, deception-based detection uncovers both known and unknown ransomware strains, giving organizations an extra layer of data protection.