--- title: How Does a Ransomware Attack Work? description: Ransomware continues to be the largest malware threat to small businesses - here are the basics of ransomware and how it works to help you stay prepared. image: https://images.pexels.com/photos/97077/pexels-photo-97077.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=3&h=750&w=1260 --- [![logo-white-2020](https://blog.seedspark.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-white-2020.png?width=80&height=80&name=logo-white-2020.png "logo-white-2020")](https://seedspark.com/) [![logo-square](https://blog.seedspark.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-square.png?width=55&height=54&name=logo-square.png "logo-square")](https://seedspark.com/) [![Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1546797/3ad3da3a-9602-4c46-afb0-274659a1f959.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1546797/3ad3da3a-9602-4c46-afb0-274659a1f959) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/what-is-ransomware&title=How%20Does%20a%20Ransomware%20Attack%20Work?&description=Ransomware%20continues%20to%20be%20the%20largest%20malware%20threat%20to%20small%20businesses%20-%20here%20are%20the%20basics%20of%20ransomware%20and%20how%20it%20works%20to%20help%20you%20stay%20prepared.) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/what-is-ransomware&text=How%20Does%20a%20Ransomware%20Attack%20Work?%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/what-is-ransomware) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/what-is-ransomware&title=How%20Does%20a%20Ransomware%20Attack%20Work?&summary=Ransomware%20continues%20to%20be%20the%20largest%20malware%20threat%20to%20small%20businesses%20-%20here%20are%20the%20basics%20of%20ransomware%20and%20how%20it%20works%20to%20help%20you%20stay%20prepared.) 15 June 2021 Tuesday # How Does a Ransomware Attack Work? By [Samuel Adams](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams) In: [5-Second Tech Tip](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/5-second-tech-tip) ![Pink White Black Purple Blue Textile Web Scripts](https://images.pexels.com/photos/97077/pexels-photo-97077.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=3&h=750&w=1260)Ransomware is a complicated issue and continues to be an increasingly dangerous threat for businesses in 2021. With national powerhouses like Cox Media, Colonial Pipeline, and JBS all target in 2021, it's clear that the threat from hacking groups isn't going away - but that's just one side of the story. For small businesses, Datto reports that nearly 70% of MSPs report that ransomware is the most common malware threat. Unfortunately, only 30% of small business MSPs clients are very concerned. - **92% of MSPs predict ransomware attacks will either continue or get worse. ** - **78%of MSPs report attacks against small business clients over the last two years. ** - **The average ransom in 2020 was $5,600, but the average cost of downtime was $274,200 - a 94% YOY increase. ** As ransomware attacks have continued to rise, The White House has released a statement to urge businesses of every size to take precautions, build their defenses, and prepare for an increasingly dangerous wave of ransomware attacks. With more attacks come increased defenses, but with increased defenses have come more complicated and dangerous ransomware attacks.  ## How does a ransomware attack work?  ##### *Traditional Ransomware Attacks* This is the most basic answer to the question "What is a ransomware attack?" Once they've tapped into a network and are accessing its data, hackers encrypt the most valuable data for a company that is critical to daily operations and often customer security. They then contact the company, demanding a ransom in return for a key that can decrypt the data. Even if a ransom is paid decryption keys can often take hours, days, or weeks to fully decrypt the data - a situation that could spell disaster for small businesses. ##### *Double Extortion Ransomware Attacks* These attacks take the threat of ransomware a step further, with hackers adding an additional threat to leak the stolen data to the public. This can put company secrets and customer data at risk, raising the stakes even higher.  ##### *Triple Extortion Ransomware Attacks* This type of attack is the worst-case scenario. Not only are the majority of company operations at a standstill, but the data of the targeted company, its business partners, and its clients are all at risk. With so much data at risk of being released to the public - and to other online hacker groups - companies like JBS are pressured to act quickly and, ultimately, may choose to pay the ransom rather than rebuild their database and network... if it can be rebuilt at all.  ## How does a hacker access my data? There are many different tactics that cybercriminals can take when attempting to hack into the personal data of a single person or an entire company (these two approaches often go hand-in-hand.) Datto's Global State of the Channel Ransomware Report shares that phishing attacks are the leading cause of ransomware attacks, causing 54% of attacks, while poor user practices/gullibility and lack of cybersecurity training rounded out the top three. A phishing attack is a type of social engineering attack, creating a realistic-looking email, text, or social media message that is actually mimicking the real deal and fooling victims into clicking on links or sharing personal or confidential information. Once received, a single click on an unassuming hyperlink or casually sharing information can immediately provide hackers access to your data, putting your entire network at risk.   --- If you're wondering how to protect yourself against ransomware attacks, you're not alone. Following [The White House guidelines](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/white-house-ransomware) is a good start towards improving and solidifying your cybersecurity defenses against ransomware. Read: [The White House Ransomware Warning - Everything You Need to Know](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/white-house-ransomware)  Even for companies with an internal IT team, partnering with an MSP helps add an entire team of technology pros to your team at a fraction of the cost. With ample experience in cloud storage solutions, proactive IT management, cybersecurity, and more, choosing an MSP that is a good fit for your business helps protect your network and its data today while preparing your business for tomorrow. [![Learn more About SeedSpark's Managed IT Services](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1546797/c7e74e5f-dc3b-4683-82cb-c8ce5883b156.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1546797/c7e74e5f-dc3b-4683-82cb-c8ce5883b156)   **Tags:** [5-Second Tech Tip](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/5-second-tech-tip), [ransomware](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/ransomware) Share: - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/what-is-ransomware&title=How%20Does%20a%20Ransomware%20Attack%20Work?&description=Ransomware%20continues%20to%20be%20the%20largest%20malware%20threat%20to%20small%20businesses%20-%20here%20are%20the%20basics%20of%20ransomware%20and%20how%20it%20works%20to%20help%20you%20stay%20prepared.) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/what-is-ransomware&text=How%20Does%20a%20Ransomware%20Attack%20Work?%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/what-is-ransomware) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/what-is-ransomware&title=How%20Does%20a%20Ransomware%20Attack%20Work?&summary=Ransomware%20continues%20to%20be%20the%20largest%20malware%20threat%20to%20small%20businesses%20-%20here%20are%20the%20basics%20of%20ransomware%20and%20how%20it%20works%20to%20help%20you%20stay%20prepared.) ### Written by [Samuel Adams](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams) As a lifelong fan of technology, Sam has always had a deep interest in learning about the latest innovations and how they are revolutionizing the worlds of business, marketing, and entertainment. As Social Media and Content Specialist at SeedSpark, he spends time chasing the newest trends and breakthroughs pushing the digital transformation in our personal and professional lives. - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-adams-717b42147/) PREVIOUS POST [** The White House Ransomware Warning - Everything You Need to Know ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/white-house-ransomware) [**](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/what-is-ransomware#top) Next Post [What to Expect from Microsoft's Windows 11 Event **](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/what-to-expect-from-microsofts-windows-11-event) [Content Title](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/what-is-ransomware#) Description ### Search ### Recent Posts [ Building a Resilient Business: Strategies for Navigating Economic Uncertainty ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/building-a-resilient-business-strategies-for-navigating-economic-uncertainty) [Chad Jenkins](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/chad-jenkins) Feb 1, 2024 [ Harnessing Data for Business Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Data-Driven Decision-Making ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/harnessing-data-for-business-success-a-comprehensive-guide-to-data-driven-decision-making) [Chad Jenkins](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/chad-jenkins) Jan 8, 2024 [ Top Business Trends of 2024: Strategies for Growth and Success ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/top-business-trends-of-2024-strategies-for-growth-and-success) [Chad Jenkins](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/chad-jenkins) Jan 4, 2024 [ Empowering Organizations with CISA's Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 Toolkit ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit) [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) Oct 26, 2023 [ Four Essential Steps to Enhance Your Online Safety ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety) [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) Oct 19, 2023 ### Popular Posts [ The 8 Best Productivity Tools Included with Microsoft 365 ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/meet_office365) [Samuel Adams](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams) - Apr 21, 2021 [ Bots Are Stealing MFA Codes and Accessing Accounts - The New Cyber Threat in 2021 ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/mfa-code-stealing) [Samuel Adams](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams) - Nov 3, 2021 [ What is Windows 11 S Mode and Should You Use It? ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/windows11-smode) [Samuel Adams](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams) - Sep 17, 2021 [ Alternatives to Using SMS for 2-factor Authentication ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/alternatives-to-using-sms-for-2-factor-authentication) [Robert Griffin](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/robert-griffin) - Mar 9, 2023 [ How to Use Shifts in Microsoft Teams for Your Organization ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/shifts_microsoft_teams) [Samuel Adams](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams) - Jul 2, 2020 ## Related Post - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit&title=Empowering%20Organizations%20with%20CISA's%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month%202023%20Toolkit&description=With%20the%20end%20of%20October%20just%20around%20the%20corner,%20that%20also%20means%20it%20is%20the%20end%20of%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month.%20The%20Cybersecurity%20and%20Infrastructure%20Security%20Agency%20(CISA)%20has%20taken%20a%20significant%20step%20in%20this%20direction%20by%20unveiling%20the%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month%202023%20Toolkit.) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit&text=Empowering%20Organizations%20with%20CISA's%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month%202023%20Toolkit%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit&title=Empowering%20Organizations%20with%20CISA's%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month%202023%20Toolkit&summary=With%20the%20end%20of%20October%20just%20around%20the%20corner,%20that%20also%20means%20it%20is%20the%20end%20of%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month.%20The%20Cybersecurity%20and%20Infrastructure%20Security%20Agency%20(CISA)%20has%20taken%20a%20significant%20step%20in%20this%20direction%20by%20unveiling%20the%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month%202023%20Toolkit.) ## [Empowering Organizations with CISA's Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 Toolkit](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit) With the end of October just around the corner, that also means it is the end of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. While the month might soon be over, cybersecurity issues and threats most certainly are not. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in partnership with the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA), has taken a significant step in this direction by unveiling the Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 Toolkit. This comprehensive resource is designed to empower organizations, IT professionals, and individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex world of cyber threats.   By [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) In: [Technology](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/technology) [**](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety&title=Four%20Essential%20Steps%20to%20Enhance%20Your%20Online%20Safety&description=Whether%20you're%20an%20individual%20looking%20to%20protect%20your%20personal%20data%20or%20an%20IT%20professional%20tasked%20with%20safeguarding%20company%20information,%20there%20are%20fundamental%20steps%20you%20can%20take%20to%20enhance%20online%20safety.) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety&text=Four%20Essential%20Steps%20to%20Enhance%20Your%20Online%20Safety%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety&title=Four%20Essential%20Steps%20to%20Enhance%20Your%20Online%20Safety&summary=Whether%20you're%20an%20individual%20looking%20to%20protect%20your%20personal%20data%20or%20an%20IT%20professional%20tasked%20with%20safeguarding%20company%20information,%20there%20are%20fundamental%20steps%20you%20can%20take%20to%20enhance%20online%20safety.) ## [Four Essential Steps to Enhance Your Online Safety](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety) As cyber threats continue to evolve, both individuals and businesses must be proactive in their approach to cybersecurity. Whether you're an individual looking to protect your personal data or an IT professional tasked with safeguarding company information, there are fundamental steps you can take to enhance online safety. Here are four essential steps to consider:   By [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) In: [Technology](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/technology) [**](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023&title=Secure%20Our%20World:%20The%20New%20Mantra%20for%20Cybersecurity%20in%202023%20and%20Beyond&description=As%20cyber%20threats%20continue%20to%20evolve,%20so%20must%20our%20approach%20to%20safeguarding%20our%20digital%20realm.%20Enter) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023&text=Secure%20Our%20World:%20The%20New%20Mantra%20for%20Cybersecurity%20in%202023%20and%20Beyond%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023&title=Secure%20Our%20World:%20The%20New%20Mantra%20for%20Cybersecurity%20in%202023%20and%20Beyond&summary=As%20cyber%20threats%20continue%20to%20evolve,%20so%20must%20our%20approach%20to%20safeguarding%20our%20digital%20realm.%20Enter) ## [Secure Our World: The New Mantra for Cybersecurity in 2023 and Beyond](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023) As cyber threats continue to evolve, so must our approach to safeguarding our digital realm. Enter "Secure Our World" – the groundbreaking cybersecurity awareness program launched by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). As we delve into 2023 and look towards the future, this initiative promises to redefine our understanding and approach to cybersecurity.   By [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) In: [Technology](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/technology) [**](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023) ## Growth Is Just One Click Away Want to chat? Just share some project details and a member of our sales team will be in touch to learn more about your vision and how we can help!   ##### How can we grow together? [![Call Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1546797/e8917216-677b-4754-8a92-11da535e5577.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1546797/e8917216-677b-4754-8a92-11da535e5577) ## Join Our Newsletter ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Samuel Adams", "url" : "https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams" }, "dateModified" : "2021-06-15T14:37:01.049Z", "datePublished" : "2021-06-15T14:37:00.000Z", "headline" : "How Does a Ransomware Attack Work?", "image" : [ "https://images.pexels.com/photos/97077/pexels-photo-97077.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=3&h=750&w=1260" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/what-is-ransomware", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.seedspark.com/hubfs/SS_Logo_R_Blue_Horizontal.svg" }, "name" : "SeedSpark" } } ```