Ransomcloud: The Next Frontier In Cyber Security Threats

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cyber security, a new kind of threat has emerged that targets cloud services and poses a significant risk to businesses of all sizes: ransomcloud.

This sophisticated form of ransomware aims to encrypt data stored in the cloud, demanding a ransom for its release. As more organizations migrate their operations to the cloud, understanding and mitigating the risks associated with ransomcloud attacks becomes crucial.

Let’s explore what ransomcloud is, how it works and what businesses can do to protect themselves.

What Is Ransomcloud?

Ransomcloud is a type of ransomware specifically designed to target cloud-based data and infrastructure. Platforms like Microsoft’s Azure (including Microsoft 365 email), Amazon’s AWS or even Google Cloud (including GSuite email) are the kind of platforms ransomcloud targets.

Unlike traditional ransomware, which typically infects individual computers or local networks, ransomcloud attacks focus on cloud services where critical business data is stored. This can include email services, file storage, databases and other cloud-based applications.

The main objective of ransomcloud is to gain access to a user’s cloud account, encrypt the data stored there and then demand a ransom payment, usually in cryptocurrency, for the decryption key. The impact of such an attack can be devastating, leading to data loss, operational disruptions and significant financial costs.

In most cases, regular non-privileged user accounts that are compromised will have their email and files encrypted. In the event privileged (administrator-level) accounts are compromised, the entire company could be at risk.

How Do Ransomcloud Attacks Work?

Ransomcloud attacks typically follow a multi-step process:

1. Phishing Attacks

Ransomcloud often starts with a phishing email designed to trick users into divulging their login credentials for cloud services. These emails can be highly convincing, mimicking legitimate messages from trusted sources. They can be cleverly disguised as a OneNote, SharePoint or a Dropbox file share.

In some cases, credentials may not be stolen at all, but a link which is disguised as previously mentioned, may point to a web-based application which, when granted access, can have direct unauthenticated access to your account (OAuth).

2. Credential Harvesting

Once the attacker obtains the login credentials or has been granted an OAuth token, they gain access to the victim’s cloud account. With access to the account, they can manipulate data, change settings and ultimately deploy ransomware to encrypt the stored data.

3. Data Encryption

The attacker uses ransomware to encrypt the data within the cloud account. This can affect emails, files, databases and any other data stored in the cloud. The victim is then locked out of their data, rendering it inaccessible without the decryption key.

4. Ransom Demand

After encrypting the data, the attacker demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. The ransom note is typically delivered via email or displayed as a message within the affected cloud service, just like you may have seen on computer or network attacks.

5. Payment and Decryption

If the victim pays the ransom, there is no guarantee that the attacker will provide the decryption key. Even if the key is provided, there is a risk of residual malware or repeat attacks.

In many cases, even if the attacker gives you the decryption key, they may take a copy of your mailbox and sell the data on the dark web.

Protecting Your Business from Ransomcloud

Given the potential impact of ransomcloud attacks, it is crucial for businesses to take proactive steps to protect their cloud data. Here are some key strategies:

1. Implement Strong Authentication

Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all cloud services to add an extra layer of security. MFA requires users to provide two or more verification factors, making it more difficult for attackers to gain access to accounts. This can stop attackers that are using the “stolen user credential” method.

Implement the path of least privileged in the cloud. Standard user accounts should not have any kind of administrative access rights; review what standard users have the right to do.

Did you know that by default, Microsoft allows standard users to create application registrations and enterprise applications? This means if successfully targeted, their mailbox could be encrypted. Consider disabling standard users’ ability to register or consent to applications on their behalf.

2. Educate Employees

Conduct regular training sessions to educate employees about phishing attacks and how to recognize suspicious emails. Awareness is a critical defense against phishing and other social engineering attacks.

Consider sending out an IT newsletter or a tips and tricks email to educate your users. Consider training users on things like the image below. In NO situation should a user click “Accept” on a prompt like this:

3. Regular Backups

Regularly back up cloud data to ensure that you have a copy of your data that can be restored in the event of an attack.

By default, cloud-based services do not backup your data automatically. This is commonly something you must explicitly enable and configure. If your provider does not offer a backup solution, dozens of reputable providers can perform this service.

Make sure that backups are stored in a separate, secure location (like a separate cloud) and are not directly accessible from the cloud environment.

4. Use Encryption

Encrypt sensitive data before storing it in the cloud. This ensures that even if the data is accessed by an unauthorized party, it remains unreadable without the encryption key, thus, a leak of sensitive data is unlikely.

5. Monitor and Audit

Implement continuous monitoring and auditing of cloud accounts to detect unusual activity. This can help identify potential security breaches early and allow for swift action to mitigate the risk.

6. Develop an Incident Response Plan

Create a comprehensive incident response plan that outlines the steps to take in the event of a ransomcloud attack. This should include procedures for isolating or shutting down affected cloud accounts, restoring data from backups and communicating with stakeholders if necessary.

7. Engage with Security Experts

Consider partnering with cyber security experts or managed services providers (MSPs) like Gross Mendelsohn, who specialize in cloud security. They can provide valuable insights, best practices, products and ongoing support to protect your cloud infrastructure.

Conclusion

Ransomcloud represents a significant threat in the cyber security landscape, targeting the very systems that businesses rely on for their operations. By understanding how ransomcloud attacks work and implementing robust security measures, businesses can significantly reduce their risk and protect their valuable data.

Proactive steps such as strong authentication, review of permissions and default abilities, employee education, regular backups and restore testing, and continuous monitoring are essential components of a comprehensive cloud security strategy. Stay vigilant, stay informed and take the necessary precautions to safeguard your business against ransomcloud and other emerging cyber threats.

Need Help?

Our Technology Solutions Group includes a team of cyber security experts. We’re happy to meet with you for a cyber security risk assessment of your organization’s IT infrastructure. Or, you can contact us online or call 410.685.5512 with any questions.