Types of Ransomware
Ransomware, also known as “file-encrypting malware,” is a type of malicious software that renders data on a system or connected corporate network inaccessible by encrypting it and demands a ransom from organizations in exchange for restoring access. Such malware typically infiltrates corporate IT infrastructures through phishing emails, system vulnerabilities, or manipulated updates. Moreover, even if the requested ransom is paid, there is no guarantee that the encrypted data will be fully recovered or that business continuity will be restored. By continuing to read, you can find answers to critical questions such as what ransomware is, its types, how threats to corporate IT environments can be mitigated, and the fundamental differences between ransomware and malware.
When answering the question what ransomware is, it is important to note that this threat can manifest in IT infrastructures through various vectors and forms. The most common types include crypto ransomware that encrypts data, locker ransomware that blocks system access, scareware that generates fake alerts, leakware that threatens to expose sensitive data, and Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) models offered by cybercriminals.
- Crypto Ransomware: Encrypts critical business data on servers or endpoints, making it inaccessible, and demands a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. For example, you may receive a warning stating that your financial data has been locked with cryptographic algorithms and that you must pay in cryptocurrency to recover it.
- Locker Ransomware: Does not directly manipulate data but completely locks the device or server interface, preventing access to IT systems. Upon system startup, a fake violation message—often appearing to come from an official authority—is displayed, demanding payment to restore access.
- Scareware: Manipulative software that generates fake logs and alerts indicating critical vulnerabilities or viruses in the corporate network, even when no real infection exists, and demands payment for licensing fraudulent security software.
- Leakware (Doxware / Double Extortion): One of the most significant threats to organizations today; it not only encrypts data but also exfiltrates it. If the ransom is not paid, it threatens to publish sensitive, regulated corporate data on the dark web, employing a double extortion tactic.
- Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS): A subscription-based cybercrime ecosystem that enables even low-skilled attackers to launch sophisticated attacks. Developers lease ransomware infrastructures via the dark web and earn commissions from successful attacks.
Therefore, to defend against all these malicious vectors that threaten business continuity, it is a critical necessity for organizations to be prepared with reliable cyber recovery solutions that provide isolated and immutable copies.
Malware vs Ransomware
There is a hierarchical relationship between the commonly confused terms malware and ransomware. Malware is an umbrella term that encompasses all types of software that harm IT infrastructures—such as viruses, Trojans, spyware, and worms—whereas ransomware is a specific subtype of malware that encrypts data, blocks access, and demands a ransom in exchange for a decryption key. In the table below, you can examine the malware vs ransomware comparison in terms of definition, primary purpose, detectability, recovery capabilities, and propagation vectors.
| Criteria | Malware | Ransomware |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A general umbrella term for malicious software designed to damage IT systems and network infrastructures, exfiltrate critical data, or take control of systems. | A specific type of malware that encrypts data or locks system access and demands a ransom from organizations. |
| Purpose | Can serve various purposes such as data exfiltration, system disruption, unauthorized access, or monitoring corporate networks. | Its primary objective is to cryptographically block access to corporate data, disrupt business continuity, and force ransom payment. |
| Detectability | Certain types, especially advanced persistent threats (APT), can remain undetected within corporate networks for extended periods. | Typically detected quickly, as files are locked and a ransom message is displayed. |
| Recovery | Systems can be cleaned and restored to normal operation using modern endpoint security (EDR/XDR) solutions. | Without a valid and isolated disaster recovery or backup scenario, recovering data without the decryption key is nearly impossible. |
| Propagation Method | Can infiltrate networks through phishing emails, other malware components, system vulnerabilities, or manipulated software. | Typically spreads via phishing emails, fake updates, and security vulnerabilities. |
Ransomware Removal Process
In this article where we answered the question what a ransomware attack is, it is also useful to discuss ransomware removal methods. By reviewing the points below, you can access key information about ransomware prevention measures.
- Conducting enterprise-grade antivirus and endpoint security scans forms the first line of defense. With centrally managed Managed Services solutions, you can proactively protect your systems by instantly detecting and quarantining malicious activities. Antivirus scanning is critically important. With centrally managed Managed Services solutions, you can proactively secure your systems by detecting and isolating malicious activities in real time.
- When an anomaly or breach is detected in your systems, immediately isolating affected devices from the network is one of the most critical steps. Disconnecting prevents communication with command-and-control (C&C) servers and limits damage by stopping lateral movement within the network.
- Booting affected servers or endpoints in “Safe Mode with Networking” during the remediation process prevents malicious services from automatically loading in the background. This enables incident response teams to analyze and safely remove the malware from the system.
- Research official decryption tools provided by trusted cybersecurity vendors. While these tools may help recover data for certain known ransomware variants, they may not always provide a solution for advanced or zero-day attacks.
- Reverting to backup copies—at the core of your enterprise data protection strategy—is the most reliable solution. With isolated (air-gapped) or immutable managed backup copies, you can restore clean, unencrypted data, complete the disaster recovery process, and minimize operational disruptions.
- Strengthen corporate identity and access management (IAM). After a potential breach, resetting all administrator and user passwords—including Active Directory—and enforcing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for VPN and critical system access will help prevent unauthorized access permanently.
In addition to what ransomware is, you may also be interested in our article titled What Is Malware? What Are Its Types?, which further strengthens your corporate cybersecurity strategy.
