A ransomware attack can be initiated by computer hackers who seek to gain access to confidential information or, worse yet, to make their victims pay a ransom to access their systems. Unlike a true malware attack, where the malicious code is delivered to an infected system via an email or a link, ransomware attacks are delivered as a download from a website, they are one of the main reasons why a business and organization need proper network management.

Ransomware attacks typically take advantage of a vulnerability in a computer system in order to encrypt or lock up the data stored on the system. In the end, ransomware hackers demand money or other forms of payment to unlock the data.

Ransomware is often used to extort money from the victim in order to recover their files. If the ransom is not paid within a specified amount of time, the data will be lost. A victim is then asked to provide a payment code in order to access their files again. This cycle of ransom payment and recuperation often forces the victim to comply with demands until they are finally reimbursed.

Ransomware attacks in the form of DDoS attacks have become particularly noteworthy since their origins in China in the past few years. During this time, a DDoS attack is conducted in the form of an overwhelming display of all available bandwidth to prevent the legitimate users from accessing a website or service that is being attacked. In order to recover from this attack, cybercriminals are forced to pay a ransom.

Trend Micro has created a separate security issue dedicated to ransomware attacks. This issue can be accessed through the following link: https://www.trendmicro.com/security/tips/infrastructure/infrastructure-attacks-ransomware-and-datastorm.

Trend Micro uses the term ‚infrastructure attack‘ to describe ransomware attacks which seek to prevent a legitimate user from accessing a site or service and seek to retrieve the files that were being encrypted.

A large number of security experts have been extremely vocal in their concern about ransomware attacks and other types of distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. Although the threat of this type of attack is always present, Trend Micro has decided to take a firm stance in recognizing this particular type of attack and making sure that it is recognized by the end users and their enterprises.

How does Trend Micro use DDoS mitigation in response to ransomware attacks?

In the event of a ransomware attack, Trend Micro continually assesses the response and mitigation capabilities of our customers to ensure that their organization can be protected.

As a proactive measure, Trend Micro makes sure that it has updated its emergency response system which monitors critical software and infrastructure in real time in the event of a ransomware attack. In fact, as soon as we detect a ransomware attack, we immediately move to escalate our awareness to all authorized Trend Micro customers.