What is RaaS?

Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) is a low code, software-as-a-service?attack vector?that allows criminals to purchase?ransomware?software on the?dark web?and conduct?cybersecurity exploits?without needing to know how to code.

Phishing email scams are a popular attack vector for RaaS exploits. Once a victim clicks on a malicious link in the attacker’s email, the ransomware will download and move laterally through the infected system to disable firewalls and antivirus software.

After the victim’s perimeter defenses have been compromised, the RaaS software can look for ways to escalate privileges — and eventually hold the entire organization hostage by encrypting files to the point where they are inaccessible. The software will then notify the victim they have been attacked and provide instructions for how to pay the ransom and (hopefully) receive the correct?cryptographic key?for decryption.

Although RaaS and ransomware exploits are illegal, criminals who conduct this type of attack can be very difficult to catch because they use?Tor browsers?(Onion Routers) to reach their victims and require ransom payments to be made in?cryptocurrency.

According to the FBI, an increasing number of malware developers have begun giving away their malicious LCNC (low code/no code) applications in exchange for a percentage of the extortion profits.

Safeguarding against RaaS exploits requires a strong?risk management?strategy that supports security awareness training for end-users on a regular basis.

Building a company culture that educates end users about the latest?phishing?tactics — as well as the financial and reputational risks posed by ransomware attacks — is the first and best defense. This includes initiatives to:

Teach employees about the latest phishing tactics: Every employee should know how to spot a phishing email and how to report a malicious message. Remind employees that if an email communication is from an unknown sender, they should not click on embedded links.

Consistently back up data: When systems and data are backed up with a 3-2-1 strategy, a ransomware attack won’t have the same impact.

Maintain a rigorous patch program and automate updates as much as possible: Keeping software up to date, including anti-virus programs, is essential to preventing an RaaS attack.

Follow best practices for network segmentation to limit the size of attack surfaces: Network segmentation plays an important role in?zero trust architectures.

Consider using a risk management platform: Risk management platforms allow IT administrators to?analyze behavioral data?and identify which employees, applications or data are most likely considered to be easy targets for an RaaS exploit.