Can antivirus detect ransomware or are you flying blind?

The short answer? Sometimes, but it's not something you should bet your entire cyber security strategy on. Relying on antivirus ransomware protection is like having home security cameras but leaving your doors unlocked, hoping cybercriminals won't try to find vulnerabilities. That said, it can help if other cybersecurity solutions are stacked on top. 

In this guide, we will explore the use case for leveraging antivirus software for ransomware protection, its limitations, and the best way to use it in your cyber security strategy.

Antivirus solutions rely on one (or a combination) of methods to detect ransomware. These methods include: 

• Signature-based detection: This OG method of ransomware detection compares files against known malware and is excellent for shopping yesterday's attacks. That said, it's often useless against new variants.
• Heuristic analysis: Known for examining file behavior to catch unknown threats, heuristic analysis detects some ransomware. That said, it's not perfect and can also give you false positives. 
• Behavioral analysis: This method watches real-time system activity by identifying potential ransomware. Behavioral analysis can spot things like rapid file encryption, making it more adaptable, but it is still vulnerable to advanced evasion tactics. 

Using signature-based detection, traditional antivirus (AV) solutions are leveraged to recognize known threats. And while some cybercriminals still dig some of their golden oldies, these bad actors are constantly tweaking their code to bypass AV defenses. Therefore, ransomware may only be detected after it has already run its malicious payload.

In other words, traditional AV is only really good for detecting yesterday's malware, which leaves those who solely depend on it vulnerable to new and emerging ransomware strains that haven't been blacklisted yet. 

While modern AV solutions claim to offer protection, betting your network's security solely on them also poses a massive risk. 

These solutions aren't totally useless, as they are suitable for ransomware detection and threat removal; however, by the time you get alerted, your device is likely already held hostage by ransomware.

While a multi-layered approach to defending against ransomware is best, if you’re betting the farm on antivirus, you'll want a solution that offers more than your standard, run-of-the-mill virus scanning. Look for features like: 

• Behavioral analysis: It can't be stressed enough—relying on known signature detection is a giant hole in your security posture that cybercriminals will exploit. The right antivirus solution should look at behavior in real time to reveal potential threats, as ransomware is constantly evolving. 
• Rollback capabilities: This feature restores files to their previous states even if ransomware encrypts them. Rollback saves shadow copies of files by continually rewinding to uninfected versions before encryption happens. While moving in the right direction, this feature depends on enabling backups. It also may not work on ransomware strains that delete shadow copies as they go. 
• Heuristic analysis: As the name suggests, heuristic analysis is always learning, which allows it to detect unknown threats by evaluating characteristics even if they've never been identified. 

That said, even AV’s good qualities still have blind spots and can leave you vulnerable to potential threats. AV has its place in the modern cybersecurity tech stack, but it should be just one tactic in a comprehensive security effort.

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Using a multi-layered approach. 

Thinking beyond AV is the only way to feel confident in your security posture. Don’t underestimate how crafty cybercriminals are. They have a wide variety of tactics for bypassing legacy defenses. 

At a high level, here's how to stay ahead of ransomware: 

• Data backups (the pro way): Backups must be frequent, encrypted, and stored offline. If ransomware strikes, you can recover your files and tell cybercriminals to jog on. Just be sure to follow the 3, 2, 1 rule—three file copies, two storage types, and one offsite location. 
• Managed Detection and Response (MDR): While AV jumps into gear after an attack, MDR services are actively on the hunt by analyzing potential threats and shutting them down before they spread. MDR switches the power dynamic and turns the predator into the prey. 
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Cybercriminals often target endpoints, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc. EDR monitors devices for unusual activity and stops threats before they lock users out. 
• Regular patching and updates: Ransomware strings of all variants thrive on outdated software. Updating your operating systems, applications, and security tools slams the door on vulnerabilities. 
• Security awareness training: A great many ransomware attacks start with phishing emails. Educating your team on how to spot sketchy emails and downloads is a way to help your employees stay strapped against threat actors. 

The reality is, cyber criminals wielding ransomware don't just target businesses with deep pockets—they go after anyone with valuable data. And while antivirus tools have their place, they can't stand alone against modern cyber threats. That's where Huntress comes in.

Huntress' Managed EDR takes protection to the next level, offering real-time monitoring, deep forensic insights, and expert-led remediation to stop ransomware and other advanced threats before they take hold.

Don't settle for reactive security. Get proactive, expert-driven protection with Huntress.

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