What are the Types of Ransomware Attacks?

Ransomware isn’t an isolated, potential cyber threat—it's like a living organism that can shapeshift with multiple strains, tactics, and targets. The cybercriminals behind ransomware attacks run these operations like a business, and are motivated to keep up profits at any cost.  Their tactics range from quickly locking down an entire network to slowly leaking sensitive data over time; different types of ransomware pose different threats in their own unique ways. 

In this guide, we break down the most common types of ransomware, explain how they work, and outline how businesses can stay ahead of their malicious ways.

Like a thief walking around a parking lot checking for a conveniently unlocked car, cybercriminals are always looking for vulnerabilities. Over the years, many different types of ransomware attacks have popped up, each with its own execution plan.

Generally speaking, the most common types of ransomware attacks include: 

• ‍Crypto ransomware: Infamous and devastating, this strain encrypts data and will only decrypt it if you pay the ransom. If you don’t pay, you lose your data forever. ‍
• Double extortion ransomware: Particularly nasty cybercriminals will lock your data, steal it, and threaten to leak it if you don’t pay up. ‍
• Encryptionless ransomware: Some ransomware actors have decided to go straight to stealing data and extorting victims to pay in order to avoid its release to the internet.‍
• Locker ransomware: This strain locks victims out of their systems, making them totally inaccessible until the ransom is paid, leaving you helpless.‍
• Scareware: Especially devious, fake software claiming to be your “knight in shining armor” against a phony virus pressures you to pay for a bogus “fix.”‍
• Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS): Like legitimate subscription models, cybercriminals rent ransomware tools from developers to help amateur hackers get their kicks. 

‍

It is well known in the cybersecurity community that crypto ransomware is the most common type cybercriminals use. 

Crypto ransomware is the perfect combination of powerlessness and pressure. Cybercriminals go in, use strong encryption (asserting power over the victim), and can put immense pressure on the victim until the ransom is paid. It’s simple and specifically targets valuable data, immediately impacting the business.

A variant strain of crypto ransomware is double extortion, which uses the same “hostage situation” of encrypting data. The main difference is that instead of deleting valuable data like crypto, hackers’ favorite scare tactic for getting people to pay the ransom is the threat of leaking sensitive data. 

The distinction between these types can sometimes blur, as many modern ransomware attacks use multiple tactics to pressure victims.

‍

Detecting ransomware before it can take hold is crucial, and cybersecurity experts use several methods to stay a step ahead of threat actors. These are the ways you can detect ransomware:

• Behavior analysis: Behavioral detection looks at how files and applications behave, which can help expose suspicious activity. For example, take mass encryption—behavioral analysis spots this tactic before it spreads. 
• Signature-based detection: One of the most traditional forms of identifying and fighting ransomware strains, signature-based detection looks for unique code signatures associated with common ransomware.  
• Heuristic analysis: “The best defense is a good offense.” This proactive approach looks at file structures and code patterns to detect modified, new, or emerging ransomware strains. 
• Deception technology: Using fake files and bait systems—i.e., “Honeypots”—turns potential threats on themselves by luring ransomware and triggering early alerts before actual data is compromised. 

A layered approach that includes some or all of the above is the best way to defend against ransomware. This way, both known and unknown threats can be quickly caught and crushed.

‍

You can’t talk about ransomware without talking about malware, as ransomware is just a glimpse of the larger malware picture. Malware attacks come in various forms, and ransomware is just one of the many threats businesses should be aware of. 

• Trojan Horses are disguised as legitimate software. They trick users into installing them and then drop malicious payloads once active. 
• Worms are self-replicating malware that can automatically spread across networks without users interacting with them.
• Spyware quietly collects sensitive data such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and browsing activity. 
• Adware, though often less dangerous, bombards users with unwanted advertisements and can sometimes lead to further infections. 
• Rootkits are deeply embedded bits of malware that give attackers complete control over compromised systems.

While each threat operates differently, they share a common goal: exploiting vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access and inflict damage.  Oftentimes the data collected will be sold on the dark web by data brokers, and can ultimately be leveraged by ransomware gangs to gain access to victims’ networks.

Huntress takes a proactive, human-led approach to stopping ransomware attacks before they can cause harm. With 24/7 threat monitoring, a dedicated team of cybersecurity experts continuously watches over your endpoints for any signs of suspicious activity. 

Through proactive threat hunting and advanced behavioral analysis, Huntress can spot ransomware tactics before they can be executed. If a ransomware strain is detected, automated containment isolates infected endpoints to prevent further spread. Additionally, the Huntress Security Operations Center (SOC) goes beyond merely flagging threats—it actively helps eliminate them and strengthens defenses to ensure the attack doesn’t happen again. 

As ransomware attacks evolve daily, relying on outdated defenses just isn’t enough anymore. Huntress’ comprehensive, human-led strategy ensures that threats are halted before they escalate into a full-blown crisis.

Reach out and take ransomware off your list of worries.

‍