Ransomware-as-a-Service: Why It’s Easier Than Ever to Launch an Attack

What is Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)?

RaaS is a subscription-based model that enables users, also known as affiliates, to use ransomware tools to execute attacks. As opposed to normal ransomware, RaaS is a provider of out-of-the-box ransomware tools to subscribers who pay to be an affiliate of the program. Stemming from Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), RaaS affiliates are paying for the ongoing use of malicious software.

Is Ransomware-as-a-Service Legal?

RaaS is viewed as an illegal enterprise by most jurisdictions. Being involved in a ransomware attack in any part of a campaign is entirely illegal. This includes buying ransomware kits on the dark web, breaching a corporate network, stealing, encrypting, and downloading system files, and extorting cryptocurrency from victims.

How does RaaS works?

Two parties work together to execute a successful RaaS attack: Developers and Affiliates.

Developer Creates Specific Ransomware Code: Cybercriminals create advanced ransomware that can lock data, avoid detection, and work on many systems by using techniques like code hiding and constant change.
Code Is Sold to Affiliates: The ransomware is sold or rented to other cybercriminals (affiliates) through dark web forums using subscription or pay-per-use models, often with access to online dashboards and different feature levels like basic or premium.
Affiliates Spread Malware and Pay with Cryptocurrency: Affiliates spread the ransomware using phishing emails, software vulnerabilities, or social engineering, and use anonymous cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Monero to pay for the service and collect ransoms from victims.
Money Is Divided Between Developer and Affiliates: The ransom payments are typically split between the developer and the affiliate often in ratio favouring the affiliate with transactions handled through automated crypto wallets or smart contracts, and in some cases, secured by escrow systems to ensure both parties receive their share once the ransom is paid.

Examples Of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)

REvil/Sodinokibi: REvil (short for Ransomware Evil, also known as Sodinokibi) was a Russian RaaS group known for its double-extortion tactics, encrypting data and threatening leaks via its “Happy Blog.” It carried out high-profile attacks, including stealing Apple product schematics. In January 2022, the Russian FSB dismantled the group and arrested several members.
Egregor/Maze: Maze was the pioneer of the “double extortion” tactic encrypting and stealing data, then threatening to leak it if the ransom wasn’t paid. Though Maze has shut down, its successor Egregor continues the legacy using the RaaS affiliate model to target victims worldwide.
Ryuk: Ryuk is one of the most widespread and damaging ransomware strains, responsible for nearly a third of global infections and linked to over $150 million in ransom payments.
LockBit: Initially launched in 2019, emerged as a dominant force in the Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) landscape in recent years. Known for its speed and efficiency, LockBit rapidly encrypts enterprise systems, making it difficult for IT teams to detect or respond before significant damage is done.

Top Risks of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) Attacks:

Regulatory Fallout & Compliance Breaches: Ransomware attacks often exploit unpatched vulnerabilities or poor cybersecurity hygiene raising red flags about your organization’s security posture. Regulatory bodies may penalize you for non-compliance with data protection standards like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS, resulting in hefty fines, legal action, or mandated audits.
Operational Disruption and Costly Downtime: Once infected, systems may become unstable, inaccessible, or corrupted, halting critical operations. This downtime can severely impact productivity, damage customer trust, and lead to lost revenue, especially in sectors like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing where uptime is crucial.
Permanent Data Loss: Ransomware can encrypt or destroy sensitive and mission-critical files. Without a robust and recent backup, you risk losing irreplaceable data, from intellectual property to customer records, which can cripple business continuity and cause long-term damage.
Financial Drain Through Ransom Payments: Ransoms can range from thousands to millions of dollars, and attackers may continue making demands even after the first payment. Worse, paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee data recovery and could encourage future attacks. Even with cyber insurance, you may face increased premiums and reduced coverage after an incident.
Loss of Trust and Brand Reputation: A RaaS attack doesn’t just compromise your systems, it shakes your customers’ confidence. If personal or financial data is leaked, clients may turn to competitors who appear more secure. The reputational damage can take years to rebuild and may result in permanent loss of business.

Defending Against Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS):

Consistent Data Backups: Regularly back up critical data to offline or external drives, not just the cloud to reduce leverage in ransom demands.
Keep Systems Updated: Patch all software, OS, and antivirus tools to close known vulnerabilities that RaaS actors frequently exploit.
Employee Awareness Training: Train staff regularly to recognize phishing, malicious links, and social engineering tactics, RaaS entry often starts with a single click.
Proactive Threat Detection: Deploy advanced endpoint protection and continuous monitoring tools (e.g., DatAlert) to detect and respond to ransomware threats in real time.

The Future of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS):

RaaS is rapidly gaining traction, with over 60% of recent cyberattacks linked to it. Its low barrier to entry and “plug-and-play” nature makes it appealing even to non-technical criminals. Future RaaS attacks are expected to increasingly target critical infrastructure healthcare, government, transportation, and energy due to ongoing supply chain vulnerabilities. Notorious platforms like Netwalker have already focused on healthcare and education, signaling a troubling trend. In response, organizations must double down on proactive threat detection and employee training to reduce human error and stay ahead of evolving threats.

Closing Thoughts:

Ransomware-as-a-Service is not going away anytime soon, making a proactive, layered cybersecurity strategy essential. Organizations must strengthen defenses across people, process, and technology. Partnering with experienced threat prevention teams can be the difference between resilience and costly ransom payments.

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