What are the main ransomware attack vectors?

Ransomware attack vectors are ways malicious actors may use to gain control of company data and demand a ransom for restoring access. Ransomware attack vectors often include threats such as software vulnerabilities or social engineering attacks, but the list of this type of attack vector is much longer. In this article, we cover the main ransomware attack vectors along with tips on how to fortify online systems to limit exposure to cyber threats.

The danger of ransomware attack vectors

According to Statista, around 65% of financial organizations worldwide have encountered ransomware attacks in 2024. This marks a continuous growth in ransomware threats for at least the fourth consecutive year. In addition, research conducted by Sophos suggests that ransom demands in ransomware attacks have increased five times in the last 12 months. The data from the same research also indicates a 50% increase in average recovery costs.

While numbers show an increased audacity of malicious actors and a surge in ransomware attacks, the 2024 Thales Data Threat Report has uncovered even more concerning insights. Out of nearly 3,000 global businesses with revenues of $100 million to more than $2 billion that participated in this survey, less than 50% have a formal ransomware plan. In addition, one out of five participants would be willing to pay (or had already paid) the ransom in the case of ransomware attack.

These statistics show a continuous upward trend for ransomware attacks. And the increase in ransom amounts suggests even more financial damage in the future (around $265 billion annually by 2031, based on Cybersecurity Ventures predictions). To reduce the risk of becoming a part of these statistics, it’s crucial to understand corporate cybersecurity ABCs, including common ransomware attack vectors.

The main ransomware attack vectors

The main ransomware attack vectors include well-known cyber threats, such as fraudulent emails, malicious pop-ups, and other types of data breaches. While some (for example, fraudulent email attachments and social engineering attacks) may overlap, each vector requires a specific understanding to mitigate the risks effectively. Here’s a detailed list of the main ransomware attack vectors.

1. Network-based ransomware attack vectors

Network-based attack vectors are vulnerabilities in a system’s online network or its infrastructure. These can include Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) exploits, unpatched software, and weak network configurations.

• RDP exploits. RDP exploits occur when malicious actors gain unauthorized access to their target’s remote network (for example, home office computer or router). These breaches are usually a result of weak passwords or unsecure network configurations. Since the victim’s computer is likely connected with the office server, cybercriminals can use this pathway to install ransomware and breach the company’s systems.
• Unpatched software. This attack vector is a catalyst for RDP exploit attacks. Malicious actors continue to update their malware, prompting tech companies to update their product software with security patches. Therefore, postponing updates can leave your system underprotected and at risk of a cyberattack.
• Weak network configurations. Failing to properly safeguard your network gadgets can backfire in a major way. Small details, such as leaving the Wi-Fi router passwordless (or giving it a weak password) can expose the office network to a ransomware attack.

2. Social engineering-based attack vectors

Social engineering attacks are techniques that usually involve tricking targets into installing malware on their system or transferring money to the attacker. To achieve those aims, cybercriminals engineer scenarios that are meant to induce excitement or fear in the target, prompting them to feel a sense of urgency and make hasty decisions. Social engineering attacks often include phishing, spear phishing, and whaling.

• Phishing. Phishing attacks are one of the most common attack vectors. During these attacks, cybercriminals target potential victims with emails containing malicious links or attachments in order to trick them into engaging with fraudulent URLs (or downloading malware). The emails often include messages designed to cause a sense of urgency and rushed decisions. If the target falls for the scam, the criminals may get access to sensitive data, be able to steal their identity, or even be able to take over large online systems.
• Spear phishing. This cyber threat closely resembles phishing, but it differs in scope. While phishers cast their attacks as wide as possible, in spear phishing attacks, the target is usually handpicked. Spear phishers may target specific people or groups by engineering messages that could be of relevance to them (for example, emails with fake financial documents or URLs leading to fake company login pages). The targets of these attacks are often employees of big companies or government institutions. High-level executives are also on cybercriminals’ radar for what’s known as whaling attacks (spear phishing attacks directed at high level management and CEOs).
• Vishing and smishing. These cyberattacks can also be referred to as phishing via mobile phone and text message. While the risk of getting ransomware via vishing (or smishing) is low compared to the phishing attacks, companies should take this type of cyberattack seriously.

3. Web- and browser-based attack vectors

Web- and browser-based attack vectors are threats online users may encounter when surfing the internet. These can include malvertising, malicious pop-ups, drive-by downloads, and browser exploits.

• Malvertising. Threat actors may hide ransomware in seemingly innocent online ads, especially those found in less reputable websites. One accidental click is often all it takes to infect an online system with this malware. Hackers may also use malicious pop-ups that resemble prompts from reputable services (such as a website’s permission request pop-ups) to trick users into engaging with malicious content.
• Drive-by downloads. Drive-by downloads are malicious software that cybercriminals hide in legitimate download files to quietly slip viruses, ransomware, or spyware into a target's computer or online network. Drive-by downloads may occur when someone is downloading free bundled software, especially if it has been downloaded from unknown third-party providers or suspicious websites.
• Browser exploits. Hackers have enormous versatility when it comes to browser exploits. Threats such as malicious SQL code injections allow attackers to manipulate a website’s code, potentially accessing a user’s data and enabling further attacks like deploying ransomware. Meanwhile, browser cookie hijackers may steal online session tokens to take over social media, email, or even workplace accounts without the user's knowledge. Experienced hackers may even create replicas of legitimate websites to trick users into providing login credentials and other sensitive information.

4. Software vulnerabilities

Ransomware attackers may target systems directly to find weak spots and launch their attacks. Underprotected and poorly monitored software can open up cybersecurity gaps wide enough for hackers to slip in. Threats like zero-day exploits, operating system (OS) vulnerabilities, and supply chain (or third-party) vulnerabilities are the most common software-related attack vectors.

• Zero-day exploits. Zero-day exploits are what cybercriminals hope to find when probing online systems. As the name suggests, this cyber threat involves vulnerabilities that are yet to be discovered by the company’s cybersecurity teams. Zero-day vulnerabilities are a gateway for hackers to install ransomware, spyware, viruses, and other types of malware. These risks can be especially potent for companies that are lenient on their cybersecurity testing policy.
• OS vulnerabilities. While ransomware attackers are unlikely to breach an OS easily, it’s still possible for them to find and exploit a vulnerability that may cause significant damage. For example, in mid-2023, Operation Triangulation targeted iOS devices by exploiting multiple zero-day vulnerabilities in Apple’s operating system. Hackers sent invisible iMessages containing malicious code, granting them root access to the devices. This attack highlighted the risks of unpatched OS vulnerabilities and the potential damage that can occur when security gaps are left unaddressed.
• Supply chain vulnerabilities. Supply chain vulnerabilities (sometimes referred to as third-party attacks) are a common way for attackers to breach even the most secure online systems. During these attacks, cybercriminals target the business by breaching one of its third-party associates (particularly those with weaker cybersecurity measures). If the main target has direct connections with its third-party provider (for example, a shared online workspace), malicious actors can use that to install ransomware or steal sensitive data. The infamous SolarWinds hack is the perfect example of a successful large-scale supply chain attack.

5. Insider threats

While organizations worldwide should be wary of outside cyberattacks, dangers from the inside are also a huge issue. According to the 2024 Insider Threat Report, 83% of the survey’s respondents (IT professionals) reported experiencing an insider threat attack in their workplace. The National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) report has also recently highlighted this attack vector as a rising security challenge to critical infrastructures. Insider threats can include risks such as compromised credentials, negligence, or malicious insider attacks.

• Compromised credentials. This cyber threat may occur when threat actors gain access to employee credentials (for example an office keycard or online workspace’s login information). With compromised credentials, attackers can gain access to sensitive information, plant ransomware, or steal data.
• Negligent insider threats. Often insider threats arise from inadvertent employee mistakes. For example, a careless worker may click on a phishing link, exposing the company to a ransomware attack, or fail to notice suspicious individuals, leading to piggybacking or tailgating. Investing in employee cybersecurity training and testing can mitigate this insider threat.
• Malicious insider threats. These threats may come as an attack from disgruntled employees, hostile competition, or even foreign agents (particularly in government institutions). An example of a malicious insider threat can be deliberate installation of malware through infected USBs, intentional hardware sabotage, or intentional data leaks (including trade secrets).

6. Other ransomware vectors

Along with the mentioned ransomware vectors, companies may face ransomware threats via backup and recovery vulnerabilities, mobile and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and fake software downloads.

• Backup and recovery vulnerabilities. Backups are a key part of ransomware recovery plans. Attackers know that, therefore, they may specifically target backup systems to prevent recovery. Lack of backup encryption, air-gapped backups, and regular testing can result in inaccessible backups, where ransomware can spread and corrupt backup files.
• Mobile and IoT device threats. Cybercriminals may target IoT devices because they often lack robust security and are often connected to the company’s network. Companies should have at least a separate secured Wi-Fi network for IoT gadgets to reduce the exposure to potential ransomware.
• Fake software downloads. While technically a category of malware attack vector, fake software downloads can be used to distribute ransomware too. The attackers may slip targets ransomware disguised as a software update or legitimate download only to take over the system once the malware gets installed.

How to prevent ransomware attacks

Preventing ransomware attacks requires continuous effort, vigilance, and substantial investments. While the chance of completely preventing ransomware attacks is never zero, appropriate steps can help mitigate this risk to a minimum. Here’s how to safeguard against ransomware attacks.

Update software and systems regularly

Software and system updates often include the latest security patches, which are crucial to keeping a company’s attack surface to a minimum. Postponing such updates only increases the risk of a breach that may result in a successful ransomware attack.

Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA)

While short isn’t always weak, in terms of passwords, the two words are synonymous. Safeguarding online systems with long, difficult passwords instantly raises the chances of repelling a brute-force attack. Meanwhile, deploying multi-factor authentication as an additional cybersecurity measure can further reduce the likelihood of unauthorized users, potentially preventing a ransomware attack.

Train your employees

Human error, social engineering attacks, and other employee-related cyber risks make up the majority of potential attack vectors. Therefore, employee cybersecurity training is essential. Performing regular phishing and physical security penetration tests can help businesses maintain vigilance and reduce the chance of successful cybersecurity (and overall security) breach.

Use anti-malware software

Robust antivirus system on all endpoints may curb malware before it executes its payload in your online networks. However, be sure to use a trusted service and remember to constantly update your antivirus software.

Restrict user privileges

When it comes to dealing with sensitive data, limited personnel access may be a sound strategy. With access to a system that has no user restrictions, malicious actors can quickly move through its networks, planting ransomware wherever it seems fit. Giving users only the minimum level of access necessary for their roles may reduce the potential impact of an attack.

Implement network segmentation

Malware (which can carry ransomware) often moves laterally through networks. Segmentation can limit the spread of malicious software between systems, preventing additional damage and total loss of data access.

Fortify or disable your RDP

The Remote Desktop Protocol is a common entry point for threat actors. Disable RDP if not needed or secure it with strong passwords, a VPN, and MFA.

Consider email filtering and anti-phishing solutions

Email filtering tools and anti-phishing solutions can limit the number of phishing attempts in your company’s inbox. In addition, enabling anti-phishing and phishing reporting tools may help maintain employee vigilance and reduce the risk of ransomware attacks.

Prepare incident response and ransomware recovery plans

Cyberattacks aren’t going to stop any time soon. That means businesses need to be prepared to deal with them once cybercriminals strike. Setting up thorough incident response and ransomware recovery plans helps minimize the damage when dealing with the aftermath of a cyberattack. In addition, having an incident response plan and performing internal and external vulnerability scanning may give cybersecurity teams and other stakeholders a sense of control and peace of mind.

How to minimize the impact of a ransomware attack

Minimizing the impact of a ransomware attack comes down to a detailed incident response and recovery plan. Creating such a plan takes an experienced team of cybersecurity professionals that can objectively evaluate the company’s attack surface, online system vulnerabilities, and the most probable attack vectors. To simplify the process, consider using NordStellar — a threat exposure management platform that allows users to detect and respond to cyber threats before they escalate.

The platform enables cybersecurity teams to detect compromised employee and consumer data and identify malware-infected company devices. In addition, NordStellar’s session hijacking prevention ensures the security of company accounts by detecting and invalidating stolen session cookies, while attack surface management continuously identifies security gaps, minimizing entry points for ransomware.