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Ransomware as a service (RaaS)


Ransomware as a service (RaaS) is a low-code software delivery model for malicious software. In this delivery model, programmers who develop software for carrying out ransomware attacks make the software available, sometimes for purchase, on the dark net. 

RaaS provides criminals with a minimal learning curve for carrying out extortion attacks. The software is designed to be user-friendly and typically provides the user with a graphical user interface (GUI) that looks very much like traditional e-commerce dashboards. An RaaS dashboard will typically feature drag-and-drop modules to help the criminal customize payloads, as well as metrics for monitoring infections and the current price of bitcoin.

The software as a service (SaaS) delivery model has proved to be beneficial to the criminal because it allows them to lower their own risk profile. With RaaS, they now have a choice to either become a silent partner in an extortion attempt or remove themselves entirely and simply monetize their programming skills.

The recent uptick in the number of ransomware infections has been attributed by many security experts to the advent of RaaS and affiliate networks of RaaS customers. To prevent yourself from becoming a victim of an RaaS attack, security experts recommend the following:
  • Backup all data on a regular basis to minimize the attack surface.
  • Apply software updates as soon as they become available.
  • Maintain a "security first" mentality.
  • Consider investing in cybersecurity insurance.


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