An example of an attack vector for ransomware is phishing emails containing malicious attachments. Phishing is a technique that involves sending fraudulent emails that appear to come from a legitimate source, such as a bank, a company, or a government agency. The emails typically contain a malicious attachment, such as a PDF document, a ZIP archive, or a Microsoft Office document, that contains ransomware or a ransomware downloader. When the recipient opens or downloads the attachment, the ransomware is executed and encrypts the files or data on the victim’s system. The attacker then demands a ransom for the decryption key, usually in cryptocurrency.
Phishing emails are one of the most common and effective ways of delivering ransomware, as they can bypass security measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, or URL filtering. Phishing emails can also exploit the human factor, as they can trick the recipient into opening the attachment by using social engineering techniques, such as impersonating a trusted sender, creating a sense of urgency, or appealing to curiosity or greed. Phishing emails can also target specific individuals or organizations, such as executives, employees, or customers, in a technique called spear phishing, which increases the chances of success.
According to various sources, phishing emails are the main vector of ransomware attacks, accounting for more than 90% of all ransomware infections12. Some of the most notorious ransomware campaigns, such as CryptoLocker, Locky, and WannaCry, have used phishing emails as their primary delivery method3 . Therefore, it is essential to educate users on how to recognize and avoid phishing emails, as well as to implement security solutions that can detect and block malicious attachments. References:
Top 7 Ransomware Attack Vectors & How to Avoid Becoming a Victim - Bitsight
What Is the Main Vector of Ransomware Attacks? A Definitive Guide
CryptoLocker Ransomware Information Guide and FAQ
[Locky Ransomware Information, Help Guide, and FAQ]
[WannaCry ransomware attack]
