FAQ: Know Thy Enemy – The Anatomy of a Ransomware Attack
Sikich LLP –
Security Magazine says in early 2023, businesses experienced a significant uptick in ransomware attacks.
It seems we’re far from in the clear, particularly in the manufacturing industry, where an early 2023 attack surge put these companies at the top of the ransomware target list.

It varies.
According to a 2021 report, the average ransom demand was $750,000.
A 2022 report puts that number much higher, at $4.7 million.

Ransomware targets the vulnerable.
Small businesses are the targets of 82% of ransomware incidents.
Hackers may target specific industries with the potential for capturing a high ransom.
Or companies with valuable business data can make them a target.

Ransomware attacks are orchestrated by various threat actors, from organized cybercriminal groups and state-sponsored actors seeking political gain.
Some ransomware launches from so-called “hacktivists,” are motivated by ideological causes.
Individual hackers may be seeking income.
Finally, insider threats, such as a disgruntled employee, can launch a ransomware attack.
Law enforcement agencies say you should not pay the ransom.
The reality is that, even if you pay, there is only a small likelihood you’ll get your data back.
Only 8% of companies get their data back, even after paying the ransom.

It can take weeks for the dust to settle after a ransomware attack, even for a small business.
If you pay the fine, you will only recover about 65% of your data, on average.
The data restoration process and the investigation and analysis of what went wrong take time, as do the steps for enhancing your organizational security processes.
Link: https://www.sikich.com/insight/faq-know-thy-enemy-the-anatomy-of-a-ransomware-attack/