Should I pay the ransom?

No. Paying the ransom doesn't guarantee you'll get your files back—many victims receive nothing after paying. It also funds criminal organizations and marks you as a target for future attacks. Focus on prevention and maintaining good backups instead.

How does ransomware infect my computer?

The most common method is phishing emails with malicious attachments or links. Other methods include downloading infected software, visiting compromised websites, exploiting unpatched software vulnerabilities, or through exposed remote desktop services with weak passwords.

Can antivirus stop ransomware?

Modern endpoint protection software can detect and block many ransomware variants, but no solution is 100% effective. Attackers constantly create new variants to evade detection. That's why a layered defense—antivirus plus backups, training, and updates—is essential.

What is the 3-2-1 backup rule?

The 3-2-1 rule means keeping 3 copies of your data, on 2 different types of storage media, with 1 copy stored offline or offsite. This ensures you can recover even if ransomware encrypts your main systems and any connected backups.

Do I need to report a ransomware attack?

Under NIS2, organizations in essential and important sectors must report significant cybersecurity incidents to the CCB within 24 hours. Even if NIS2 doesn't apply to you directly, reporting to police and the CCB helps track criminal activity and may provide assistance with recovery.

What is Ransomware? Protect Your Business

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that encrypts files on your computer or network, making them inaccessible. The attackers then demand a ransom payment—typically in cryptocurrency—in exchange for the decryption key to unlock your files.

Unlike other malware that might steal data quietly, ransomware announces itself loudly. You'll see a ransom note on your screen demanding payment within a deadline, often threatening to delete your files or publish sensitive data if you don't pay.

How Does Ransomware Spread?

Ransomware can infect your systems through several common methods:

Phishing emails

The most common entry point. Employees click malicious links or open infected attachments disguised as invoices, delivery notices, or urgent requests.

Malicious downloads

Software downloaded from untrusted sources, cracked software, or fake updates that bundle ransomware with legitimate-looking programs.

Vulnerable software

Unpatched operating systems and applications with known security flaws that attackers exploit to gain access.

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

Exposed RDP services with weak passwords allow attackers to log in directly and deploy ransomware.

Infected websites

Drive-by downloads from compromised websites that exploit browser vulnerabilities.

Types of Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware has evolved into several variants, each with different tactics:

Crypto ransomware

Encrypts your files while leaving the system functional. Most common type. You can still use your computer but cannot access your data.

Locker ransomware

Locks you out of your entire device. You cannot access any functions until the ransom is paid. Less common but more disruptive.

Double extortion

Attackers steal your data before encrypting it. They threaten to publish sensitive information if you don't pay, even if you restore from backups.

Triple extortion

Combines data theft, encryption, and DDoS attacks or threatens to contact your customers and partners directly.

The Rise of Data Exfiltration-Only Attacks

A major shift in 2024-2025: many ransomware groups now skip encryption entirely. They steal your data and threaten to publish it—no decryption key needed, no recovery possible through backups alone.

Why attackers are shifting tactics

Backups beat encryption

Organizations with good backups can recover from encryption. But they can't "un-steal" data that's already been exfiltrated.

Faster and quieter

Copying files is less detectable than encrypting them. Attackers can exfiltrate gigabytes before triggering alerts.

Regulatory pressure

GDPR and NIS2 require breach notification. The threat of regulatory fines and reputational damage increases payment pressure.

Easier to execute

No need to maintain decryption infrastructure. Less technical complexity for attackers.

Recent exfiltration-only attacks

Clop MOVEit Campaign (2023-2025)

Exploited file transfer vulnerabilities to steal data from hundreds of organizations. No encryption—pure data theft and extortion.

ESA Breach (2025)

Attackers exfiltrated sensitive space program data without deploying ransomware. Data published when ransom wasn't paid.

ALPHV/BlackCat Shift

Major ransomware group increasingly skipping encryption, focusing on data theft to pressure victims.

Protecting against data exfiltration

Data classification

Know where your sensitive data lives. You can't protect what you don't know about.

Network monitoring

Watch for unusual outbound traffic. Large data transfers to unknown destinations are red flags.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

Tools that detect and block sensitive data leaving your network via email, cloud uploads, or USB drives.

Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)

Modern security tools that detect suspicious file access patterns and data staging.

Access controls

Limit who can access sensitive data. Principle of least privilege reduces what attackers can steal.

Encryption at rest

If data is encrypted on your systems, stolen files are useless without the keys.

Real-World Impact on Belgian SMEs

Ransomware attacks on Belgian businesses have increased dramatically. Small and medium enterprises are prime targets because they often lack dedicated security resources while still holding valuable data.

Complete business standstill for days or weeks
Loss of customer trust and reputation damage
Regulatory fines under GDPR for data breaches
Recovery costs far exceeding the ransom demand
Permanent data loss if backups are also encrypted
Legal liability if customer data is exposed

How to Prevent Ransomware

Prevention is far more effective than trying to recover after an attack. Here are the essential measures:

Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule

Keep 3 copies of your data, on 2 different types of media, with 1 copy stored offline or offsite. Test your backups regularly.

Keep software updated

Apply security patches promptly. Most ransomware exploits known vulnerabilities that have already been patched.

Implement email security

Use email filtering, block dangerous attachments, and enable multi-factor authentication on all email accounts.

Train your employees

Regular security awareness training helps employees recognize phishing emails and suspicious behavior.

Use endpoint protection

Modern antivirus with ransomware-specific protection can detect and block many attacks before encryption begins.

Segment your network

Limit access between systems so ransomware cannot spread easily across your entire network.

The 3-2-1 Backup Rule

The 3-2-1 backup rule is your best defense against ransomware. It ensures you can recover even if attackers encrypt your primary systems:

3

Three copies

Keep at least three copies of your important data—your working copy plus two backups.

2

Two media types

Store backups on two different types of storage (e.g., local hard drive and cloud storage) to protect against hardware failure.

1

One offsite copy

Keep one backup completely disconnected from your network (offline) or at a different location. This is crucial because ransomware often targets connected backups.

What to Do If Infected

If you discover ransomware on your systems, act quickly but carefully:

1

Isolate immediately

Disconnect infected devices from the network to prevent spread. Unplug network cables and disable Wi-Fi.

2

Don't pay the ransom

Payment doesn't guarantee you'll get your files back and funds criminal operations. Many victims who pay are attacked again.

3

Report the attack

Contact the police and report to the CCB (Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium). Under NIS2, significant incidents must be reported within 24 hours.

4

Identify the variant

Determine which ransomware you're dealing with. Free decryption tools exist for some variants (check nomoreransom.org).

5

Restore from backups

Clean infected systems completely and restore data from your offline backups. Verify backups are not infected before restoring.

6

Investigate the cause

Understand how attackers got in to prevent future attacks. Check email logs, user activity, and system vulnerabilities.

Incident Reporting Under NIS2

Under the NIS2 directive, organizations in essential and important sectors must report significant cybersecurity incidents to authorities:

Within 24 hours Submit early warning to the CCB about the incident

Within 72 hours Provide initial assessment with severity and impact

Within 1 month Submit final report with root cause and remediation measures

How Easy Cyber Protection Helps

Risk assessment — Identify your vulnerabilities before attackers do

Security controls — Implement CyberFundamentals measures against ransomware

Incident response plan — Know exactly what to do when an attack occurs

Compliance documentation — Meet NIS2 reporting requirements

Employee training tracking — Ensure your team knows how to spot threats