What is Double Extortion Ransomware?

The industry’s most cutting-edge terms, explained.
calc
Avail of Special Pricing
on your Backup

What is Double Extortion Ransomware?

Double Extortion Ransomware represents an advanced cyber attack strategy where attackers not only encrypt the victim’s data to hold it hostage but also threaten to release the stolen information to the public if their ransom demands are not met. This dual-threat approach compounds the leverage attackers hold, increasing the likelihood of payment.

Double Extortion Ransomware Meaning and Examples

How It Works

  1. Initial Breach: The attacker infiltrates a network and gains access to sensitive data.
  2. Data Exfiltration: Before encrypting the data, the attacker extracts copies of sensitive information.
  3. Encryption: The data on the victim’s systems is encrypted, making it inaccessible.
  4. Ransom Demand: The victim receives a ransom note demanding payment to decrypt the data.
  5. Threat to Publish: Additionally, attackers threaten to publish the stolen data on the internet if their demands are not met.

Notable Examples

  • Maze Ransomware: One of the first ransomware families to use the double extortion tactic, Maze not only encrypted files but also threatened to release data publicly if the ransom was not paid.
  • REvil/Sodinokibi: Known for targeting large corporations, REvil used threats of auctioning off celebrity legal documents to pressure victims into paying ransoms.

Advantages for Attackers

The double extortion technique is particularly effective because it:

  • Increases the pressure on organizations to pay the ransom to avoid the reputational damage associated with data breaches.
  • Creates multiple streams of potential revenue: decryption keys and silence.

How to Protect Against Double Extortion Ransomware

Preventive Measures

  1. Regular Backups: Maintain frequent and multiple data backups in separate locations. Ensure backups are not accessible from the network being protected.
  2. Security Awareness Training: Educate employees about phishing and other tactics used to gain unauthorized access.
  3. Endpoint Protection: Deploy robust antivirus and anti-malware solutions that can detect and neutralize ransomware attacks.
  4. Network Segmentation: Limit the spread of ransomware by segmenting networks and restricting access permissions.

Responsive Strategies

  • Incident Response Plan: Have a clear response plan that includes isolation of infected systems, communication strategies, and legal considerations.
  • Negotiation and Law Enforcement Involvement: Consider involving professionals for negotiation if needed and always report ransomware incidents to law enforcement agencies.

Ransomware Recovery with CloudAlly

For organizations looking to fortify their defenses against ransomware, particularly double extortion attacks, CloudAlly provides comprehensive backup solutions that ensure data integrity and quick recovery from ransomware. Explore CloudAlly’s offerings on ransomware data recovery with SaaS backup through our detailed guides and best practices:

By leveraging CloudAlly’s secure backup services, you can ensure that your organization is prepared to handle and quickly recover from ransomware attacks, minimizing downtime and protecting sensitive data.

Try a hands-on Interactive Product Tour

Right Here and Right Now!

Start a Free 14-day Backup Trial

Get Start
AWS Backup | Full Account Recovery | Pay-as-you-go

Try our Interactive Product Tour

Right Here. Right Now

Book a 1-1
M365 Backup Demo
AWS Backup | Full Account Recovery | Pay-as-you-go

MENU