Cybersecurity is a field that grows more and more every day. This means that there are often new terms to learn and adopt into use in your organization. In this case, the term is real-time encryption detection.
To discuss that term, let’s look into ransomware as a larger concept, and talk about how many cybersecurity practices can often seem a little pointless in the face of it, and, ultimately, why methods like ransomware recovery benefit from it.
What is Ransomware?
Essentially, ransomware is a type of malware that attempts to steal data to then be held for ransom by bad actors. Often, this is done by encrypting the stolen data and offering the decryption key in return for a fee. This is why anti-ransomware software often involves encryption detection.
How Does Ransomware Differ From Other Malware?
A key idea to bear in mind with ransomware is that it differs from other malware in, for want of a better term, its sneakiness. Often, malware will involve more aggressive tactics, such as in a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack: the denial of service is widespread and immediate, as soon as the malware begins to run.
Ransomware, on the other hand, tries to run on a company’s system without making itself known. Only after the encryption has taken place do the bad actors let you know that there is malware on your system.
What is Ransomware Detection?
Ransomware recovery is more effective with real-time ransomware detection, as it enables a swift response right after the detonation of a ransomware attack—i.e. when the encryption starts. Other methods, falling under the periodic detection category, are not as effective, as they will detect the ransomware attack way later, allowing it to spread and make more damages.
Because ransomware involves the moving of files (which occurs a lot during everyday activities), it can be very hard to detect ransomware.
What Are Some Key Methods?
Signature-based
This is quite a straightforward method. Essentially, when software is scanned with this method, a random section of code is selected.
Then, this section is compared to known signatures of ransomware. If the two are too similar, then the code has failed.
Behavior-based
To gain access to a system, ransomware will typically pretend to be an employee or piece of software that may genuinely need access to sensitive files. Behavior-based detection looks at these access requests and evaluates how likely they are to be genuine, or the attempt of bad actors.
Deception-based
This method involves seeding your system with important-seeming, but functionally useless, information. Bad actors will be attracted to this data because it seems valuable, but genuine employees will never want to access it. Therefore, if the hacker is deceived into accessing the file, this can trigger a warning.
What is Real-Time Encryption Detection Software?
Real-time encryption detection software is a pioneering method of ransomware detection. Because all ransomware relies on encrypting data to be ransomed, detection software monitors encryption for anomalies. If these anomalies are detected, then an investigation can be launched.
This is more advanced than other methods of ransomware avoidance as it’s much faster. Rather than retroactively scanning files and applications, real-time software works to notify you within seconds of a potential attack.
Real-time encryption detection software is a cutting-edge way to protect your business from ransomware. With the constant threat of bad actors, it pays to be prepared with high-quality solutions. Your cybersecurity practices always need updating.