Cybercriminals aren't just looking to steal your data—they want to hold it hostage. Ransomware is one of the most aggressive and financially devastating cyberattacks out there, locking down critical files until a ransom is paid. But what exactly is ransomware, how does it work, and most importantly, how do you stop it?
Ransomware is a type of malware used by threat actors to encrypt files on a victim's device and make them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. This allows cybercriminals to extort businesses, organizations, and government agencies by threatening them with losing their data forever if they don’t pay up.
These attacks don't just lock files; they disrupt entire operations, cause massive financial damage, and can even lead to public data leaks. And if you think traditional antivirus alone can stop it, think again.
How does ransomware encrypt files and bring businesses to their knees? Here's a quick breakdown of a typical attack:
Ransomware isn't just an inconvenience—it's a known business killer, and a well-documented real-world example of a ransomware attack is the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack in May 2021.
Carried out by the DarkSide ransomware group, Colonial Pipeline's IT systems were attacked and forced to shut down operations, leading to fuel shortages across the US East Coast and causing widespread disruption. The attackers demanded a ransom, and Colonial Pipeline paid $4.4 million in Bitcoin to regain access to its systems. Incidents like this highlight the devastating impact ransomware can have on an organization.
As was covered in the Huntress 2025 Threat Report, the average time for ransomware to go from entry to encryption is under 17 hours with some groups operating under 4 hours, so time is of the essence when trying to stay ahead of these threat actors.
Ransomware doesn't often sneak in quietly. If you see any of these red flags, it's time to act fast:
If you suspect ransomware, disconnect from the network immediately—this can stop the infection from spreading.
Can you remove ransomware once it's taken hold? The answer depends on the strain of ransomware involved and how far it’s spread in your network.
Some older variants have publicly available decryptors, but most modern ransomware uses strong encryption that's practically unbreakable. If you have backups, restoring your files from them is your best bet—assuming they haven't been compromised.
Alternatively, many cybersecurity firms periodically release decryption tools for specific ransomware strains. When in doubt, partnering with a reputable cybersecurity expert to help analyze an attack, contain the string, and work on recovery efforts is always a good idea.
Whatever you do, don't pay the ransom—there's no guarantee you'll get your files back, and giving in only fuels future attacks.
Ransomware is a nightmare, but you don't have to be defenseless. Here's how to defend against ransomware and keep your business from becoming another statistic.
Huntress doesn’t just detect ransomware—we stop it dead in its tracks. Our Managed Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solution gives you vigilant, 24/7/365 threat monitoring to hunt down ransomware before it can infect your systems.
Our team of cybersecurity experts proactively hunts for hidden threats that automated systems often miss, making sure no stone is left unturned. If ransomware is detected, we automatically isolate the infected endpoints, preventing further spread and minimizing damage. We don’t just stop the attack; we assist in rapid recovery and bolster your defenses so it doesn’t happen again.
Ransomware isn’t going anywhere, but with the proper protection, you can keep your business out of the headlines—for all the right reasons.
Don’t wait for the next attack: Request a demo and learn how Huntress can take ransomware off your list of worries.
