Ransomware isn’t just a problem for large corporations; small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are being targeted more frequently, and many aren’t prepared. How does ransomware work? In this blog, we’ll walk through a realistic, step-by-step ransomware attack in a typical office. You’ll see how the malware can infiltrate systems, disrupt operations, and shut down systems. We’ll highlight the points where strong cybersecurity protocols could have prevented or minimized the damage and discuss how a lack of preparation can lead to disaster.
Step 1: The Phishing Email
How does ransomware work? Imagine an employee opening what appears to be a routine invoice from a familiar vendor. It contains an overdue invoice attached as a PDF. They click on it, and nothing seems to happen, but behind the scenes, ransomware quietly installs itself.
What Was Missing:
- No email filtering
- No employee training on phishing threats
- No endpoint protection to detect suspicious behavior
What Could Have Helped:
- Security awareness training
- Advanced email filtering
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions
Step 2: Malware Spreads
The ransomware begins to spread quickly across the company network through any vulnerable access point. Files on shared drives are encrypted, and local backups are systematically destroyed. Every department, from HR to Operations, Accounting to Executives, is affected.
What Was Missing:
- No network segmentation
- No access control policies
- No secure or off-site backups
What Could Have Helped:
- Least-privilege access model
- Offline or cloud-based backups
- Continuous network monitoring
Step 3: The Ransom Demand
Suddenly, every screen in the office locks. A ransom note appears: pay $150,000 in Bitcoin to recover your files. The business is paralyzed. Operations stop. There are no recent backups, and no one knows what to do next.
What Was Missing:
- No incident response plan
- No disaster recovery plan
What Could Have Helped:
- Business continuity planning
- Constant cloud backups
- An outside service provider monitoring your network and on standby
Step 4: Extortion and Data Exposure
The attackers escalate. They contact the CEO directly, revealing that sensitive client data was stolen and will be leaked if the ransom isn’t paid. Now, the business faces legal liability, regulatory fines, and loss of client trust, challenges that are often too much for a company to recover from.
What Was Missing:
- No encryption for sensitive data
- No tools to detect data exfiltration
- No compliance safeguards
What Could Have Helped:
- Data encryption at rest
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools
- Regulatory compliance services
The Aftermath: How Does Ransomware Work? Devastatingly
Clients begin pulling their business. Legal fees and penalties pile up. The company’s reputation is shattered. Within months, the doors will close permanently. Around 60% of small businesses go out of business within 6 months of a cyberattack, all because of a single click on a phishing email.
Where TCI Technologies Comes In
At TCI Technologies, we answer the question, “how does ransomware work,” and we’re here to help businesses like yours avoid this exact outcome. Our comprehensive cybersecurity services are designed to prevent, detect, and respond to threats before they harm or shut down your business. Don’t wait for a ransomware attack to reveal your vulnerabilities.
