Ransomware has been a major cybersecurity threat for over a decade, evolving from known vulnerabilities to 0-day exploits, individual attacks to Ransomware-as-a-Service, simple encryption to double extortion, and now AI-driven techniques.
In 2023, payments exceeded $1 billion for the first time, though they declined by 35% in 2024 as victims grew more resistant. Yet the threat persists. Sangfor has spent a decade fighting ransomware, delivering the only solution that covers the full attack lifecycle. Powered by AI and the integration of Athena NGFW and Athena EPP, Sangfor detects and blocks ransomware attacks within just 3 seconds.
IABs facilitate ransomware attacks with services such as vulnerability exploitation, phishing and social engineering, black market dealings, and insider threats.
Ransomware often disables security software and deletes backup files before encryption. Detection mechanisms must be equipped with robust self-defense against these tactics.
Ransomware encryption methods are converging, making it increasingly difficult to break encryption through technical means.
In 2023, Recorded Future reported 538 new ransomware variants, indicating a rise of many new and independent groups.
Athena EPP
Modern Endpoint Protection Platform with specialized anti-ransomware features, including ransomware honeypot, behavioral analysis engines, and file recovery.
Athena NGFW
Advanced Next-Generation Firewall that integrates with Athena EPP to share threat intelligence and enable one-click endpoint scans and threat mitigation.
Athena IR
Expert-led Incident Response service that assists ransomware victims with threat containment, investigation, remediation, and hardening recommendations.
Pre-Attack: Ransomware Risk Mitigation
Athena EPP provides endpoint management capabilities that mitigate risks before they can be exploited by attackers.
During Attack: Dedicated AI-powered Ransomware Detection
The solution uses AI-powered static and dynamic detection engines in Athena EPP. The static engine uses AI to analyze files for malicious code, while the dynamic engine continuously monitors endpoints for abnormal behavior. Together, they provide real-time protection against ransomware attacks.
During & Post-Attack: Enhanced Detection and Response via Synergy
The solution integrates Athena EPP and Athena NGFW for enhanced detection and response capabilities. When Athena NGFW detects malicious command and control (C2) communication, URLs, domains, or files, it blocks the connection and notifies Athena EPP. Athena EPP then identifies the compromised endpoint and automatically mitigates the malicious process to ensure a faster and more comprehensive response.
In situations where Athena EPP cannot access the internet, Athena NGFW shares threat intelligence (TI) with Athena EPP to identify threat entities.
Post-Attack: Dynamic Backup & One-Click Recovery
Athena EPP is the world’s only endpoint security solution with a built-in ransomware honeypot. By deploying strategically placed bait files, it precisely detects ransomware encryption and triggers immediate backup of user files.
The dynamic ransomware detection engine also triggers backups for recovery if it detects suspicious ransomware behavior. It automatically backs up files accessed by suspicious processes within the past 3-9 seconds.
Athena EPP provides endpoint management capabilities that mitigate risks before they can be exploited by attackers.
The solution uses AI-powered static and dynamic detection engines in Athena EPP. The static engine uses AI to analyze files for malicious code, while the dynamic engine continuously monitors endpoints for abnormal behavior. Together, they provide real-time protection against ransomware attacks.
The solution integrates Athena EPP and Athena NGFW for enhanced detection and response capabilities. When Athena NGFW detects malicious command and control (C2) communication, URLs, domains, or files, it blocks the connection and notifies Athena EPP. Athena EPP then identifies the compromised endpoint and automatically mitigates the malicious process to ensure a faster and more comprehensive response.
In situations where Athena EPP cannot access the internet, Athena NGFW shares threat intelligence (TI) with Athena EPP to identify threat entities.
Athena EPP is the world’s only endpoint security solution with a built-in ransomware honeypot. By deploying strategically placed bait files, it precisely detects ransomware encryption and triggers immediate backup of user files.
The dynamic ransomware detection engine also triggers backups for recovery if it detects suspicious ransomware behavior. It automatically backs up files accessed by suspicious processes within the past 3-9 seconds.
Ransomware targets all businesses, from small and medium-sized enterprises to major firms. According to research by Chainalysis, ransomware payments exceeded $1 billion in 2023, hitting a record high.
The ransomware threat landscape is constantly evolving, with new players and fresh tactics. The increasing use of Initial Access Brokers and the emergence of generative AI mean that even novice hackers can carry out devastating attacks.
Anyone can be a victim of a ransomware attack, making it crucial to implement the right cybersecurity measures for you and your organization.
Phishing emails with malicious attachments are one of the major causes of ransomware attacks. Additionally, drive-by downloading has also been attributed to many ransomware-related issues. Essentially, drive-by downloading is where an individual visits a website infected with ransomware unknowingly, which results in the ransomware being downloaded and installed on the system the user is operating on. This triggers the Ransomware Kill Chain, and the only way to effectively stop it is with a trusted ransomware prevention solution like Sangfor’s Security Solution for Ransomware.
Companies that fall victim to ransomware attacks stand to lose a lot. Not only are they at risk of suffering data loss and data theft, but they may also experience financial losses as a result of paying the ransom demanded. IT costs, legal fees, network modifications, a decrease in productivity, and potential loss in reputation are among the other pitfalls that may befall companies. With the frequency of attacks on the rise, and big payouts already having occurred, many firms are seeking top of the line cybersecurity services to ensure they are protected against all types of attacks, including ransomware.
