Ransomware

Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS): The Criminal Gig Economy

Ransomware has evolved from lone hackers to a professionalized industry. RaaS platforms provide affiliates with malware, infrastructure, and negotiation support in exchange for a cut of the ransom.

Threat Simulation

RaaS Affiliate

Affiliates deploy payload, ArchiveX and MDR intercept lateral move.

The Ecosystem

  • Developers: Create the ransomware code and payment portals.
  • Affiliates: Rent the ransomware and conduct the attacks.
  • Access Brokers: Sell initial access to corporate networks.

Impact on Defenders

This model lowers the barrier to entry for cybercriminals, leading to a higher volume of attacks. It also means defenders are facing sophisticated, enterprise-grade malware deployed by motivated affiliates.

Ransomware affiliate ecosystem diagram

Defensive Strategy

  • Assume Breach: Focus on detection and containment, not just prevention.
  • Immutable Backups: Ensure backups cannot be deleted or encrypted by attackers.
  • MFA Everywhere: Protect all remote access points to stop initial entry.

Key Takeaways

  • RaaS makes ransomware scalable and accessible.
  • Defenders must focus on resilience and recovery.
  • Identity protection is the first line of defense.