The Ransomware Breach Happens Long Before the Ransom Note
Ransomware Breach Introduction A ransomware attack is often associated with one dramatic moment: systems go offline, files become inaccessible, and a ransom note appears on the screen. But that visible moment is usually not where the breach begins. In reality, modern ransomware attacks can involve a much longer attack chain. Attackers may first compromise an identity, gain access through remote services or a vulnerable third party, escalate privileges, move laterally through the environment, identify critical systems, steal sensitive information, and target recovery infrastructure. By the time ransomware or an extortion demand becomes visible, the attacker may already have achieved significant access. SISA's ransomware prevention approach emphasizes this point, drawing on insights from more than 1,100 breach investigations. The organization's current ransomware prevention framework focuses on breaking the attack chain before it reaches widespread operational or financial impa...