Ransomware
Malicious code that encrypts data and demands a ransom payment for decryption.
What does it mean Ransomware?
Ransomware is currently the most destructive type of cyberattack. In addition to encrypting data, attackers often steal information and threaten to publish it.
The entry point is most frequently phishing, stolen credentials, or an unpatched system accessible from the internet. Several days can pass between the initial breach and the encryption.
Defense is based on three pillars: prevention (MFA, updates, EDR), limiting spread (segmentation, separate admin accounts), and recovery (immutable backups).
Practical examples
A company using the 3-2-1 rule and immutable cloud backups restores operations within one day after an attack and does not pay the ransom.
Business relevance
The average downtime after such an attack lasts several days. The decisive factor is not the ransom, but whether a verified, unreachable backup exists.
Common mistakes
The most frequent mistakes include backups accessible with the same credentials, the absence of a disaster recovery plan, and untested restoration processes.
How VitalIT helps
At VitalIT, we implement and maintain security solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises — from firewalls and endpoint protection to event monitoring and incident response. Learn more on our cybersecurity page.
Why is this important for businesses?
The average downtime after such an attack lasts several days. The decisive factor is not the ransom, but whether a verified, unreachable backup exists.
Where does this appear in practice?
A company using the 3-2-1 rule and immutable cloud backups restores operations within one day after an attack and does not pay the ransom.
Most common problems or errors
The most frequent mistakes include backups accessible with the same credentials, the absence of a disaster recovery plan, and untested restoration processes.
Kako pri tem pomaga VitalIT
At VitalIT, we implement and maintain security solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises — from firewalls and endpoint protection to event monitoring and incident response. Learn more on our [cybersecurity](/en/services/kibernetska-varnost) page.
Related terms
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Frequently asked questions
- Should we pay the ransom?
- Generally no. Payment does not guarantee recovery and encourages further attacks.
- What is an immutable backup?
- A backup that cannot be modified or deleted for a set period, even with administrative privileges.
- How quickly can we resume work?
- It depends on the plan; with a tested restoration process, typically 4 to 24 hours.