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RaaS – cybercrime at the touch of a button
RaaS – cybercrime at the touch of a button
The threat posed by ransomware has changed massively in recent years. In the past, cyber criminals needed extensive technical knowledge to launch attacks. But with the advent of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) even inexperienced hackers can rent or buy ready-made ransomware kits. These cybercrime-as-a-service models make targeted and mass attacks easier than ever.
But what exactly is RaaS? How does this criminal business model work? And what measures can companies take to protect themselves against it?
How does Ransomware-as-a-Service work?
RaaS works similarly to legal Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models. Criminal developers create sophisticated ransomware and offer it on the darknet for a one-off payment, subscription fee or profit share. This malware is then used by so-called affiliates who carry out the attacks.
Typical sequence of an RaaS attack
- Buying or renting the ransomware – The attacker buys or rents malware via a RaaS platform.
- Spread of ransomware – The malware is spread via phishing emails, infected websites or software vulnerabilities.
- Encryption of data – As soon as the ransomware is in the company network, files are encrypted.
- Ransom demand – The company receives a message demanding payment in cryptocurrency to recover the data.
- Payment or data loss – companies are faced with a choice: pay the ransom or lose all their data.
This model has led to a rapid increase in ransomware attacks, as even less experienced perpetrators are able to carry out sophisticated cyberattacks.
Why is RaaS so dangerous?
- Anyone can become an attacker – through RaaS perpetrators no longer need in-depth technical knowledge.
- Automated and mass attacks – companies are attacked across the board, often with several variants simultaneously.
- Low risk for cybercriminals – RaaS operators are often located in countries that do not enforce cybercrime laws.
- Higher success rate for attacks – RaaS providers continuously optimize their ransomware to circumvent security mechanisms.
Known RaaS groups and their methods
- Active group since 2019
- Uses automatic distribution within networks
- Considered one of the fastest ransomware variants
- Relying on double blackmail: data encryption and publication of stolen information
- Targeted attacks on companies in Europe and the USA
- Sophisticated ransomware
- Customizable attack techniques for different types of companies
These groups are constantly active and develop new methods to circumvent security solutions.
How can companies protect themselves?
The best defence against RaaS is a proactive security strategy that combines technical, organizational and procedural measures.
C5-certified cloud security measures
The Cloud Computing Compliance Criteria Catalogue (C5) of the BSI ensures that cloud service providers comply with high security standards. Companies should only use C5-certified cloud services to ensure the security of their data.
ISO 27001 risk management
The ISO 27001 certification helps companies to identify and minimize information security risks at an early stage. A structured ISMS (information security management system) can identify security gaps before attackers exploit them.
SOC 2 Audits to safeguard IT security
SOC 2 audits check IT security guidelines and ensure that companies implement effective protection mechanisms. Companies with a SOC 2 certification can prove that they meet strict security requirements.
Employee training and zero trust strategy
As many ransomware attacks begin through phishing or social engineering, regular employee training is essential. Companies should also implement a zero trust security strategy that checks every access before it is granted.
Prevention is the best protection
Regular backups and incident response plans
- Store daily backups in a secure, isolated location
- Develop and test emergency plans for cyber attacks
- Ensure that backups cannot be infected by ransomware
These measures help companies to arm themselves against RaaS attacks and minimize damage.
Ransomware-as-a-Service is one of the biggest cyber threats to companies worldwide. Attacks are cheaper, easier and more effective than ever before – and no company is safe from them.
Through the implementation of ISO 27001, C5 and SOC 2-certifications and modern security measures, companies can significantly reduce the risk and protect themselves against this threat.
Contact us for your security strategy
Do you want to optimize your IT security and protect yourself against cyber attacks? We support you with the implementation of ISO 27001, C5 and SOC 2.
E-mail: hello@secaas.it
Phone: +49 69 5060 75080
Website: https://security-as-a-service.io
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