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#Interview: Ransomware- as-a-Service, How Cyber Extortion Has Become as Easy as Drinking Water, Enabling Non-Tech Savvy Hackers to Launch Attacks

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Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) has become a prominent threat in the cybersecurity landscape, allowing anyone with basic technical skills to deploy sophisticated ransomware attacks. This new model of cybercrime involves developers who create ransomware and then lease it out to affiliates who execute the attacks. RaaS has democratized cyber extortion, turning it into an accessible and highly profitable venture, much like an illicit business model. As hacking becomes easier and more lucrative, companies worldwide are increasingly at risk. In today’s interview, we explore the depths of this modern cybercrime trend with an expert in cybersecurity, examining the mechanics of RaaS, its impact on global security, and how organizations can protect themselves from becoming victims.

Biography: Gaurav Batra

Gaurav Batra is a renowned cybersecurity expert, entrepreneur, and thought leader with over 18 years of experience in the IT and information security domain. As the Founder & CEO of CyberFrat, Gaurav has successfully led initiatives such as CXO Junction and The Digital Kiddo, which not only promote cybersecurity awareness but also serve as critical advisory resources for organizations navigating the complexities of the cyber world.

His impressive career includes influential positions at major corporations like Hewlett Packard Enterprise, MetLife, JP

Morgan, Axis Bank, and Mondelēz International, where he has honed his skills in risk management and strategic IT alignment. Gaurav’s advisory capabilities are further exemplified by his work with over 6,000 Chartered Accountants and more than 10,000 cybersecurity professionals, guiding them through the intricacies of digital forensics, ethical hacking, and risk management.

Recognized among the Times 40 Under 40 Leaders, Gaurav has been honored with numerous awards, including CISO of the Year (2017-2020), Top 100 InfoSec Maestros, Data Security Champion, and India’s Top 20 InfoSec Influencers, among others. His ability to articulate and execute IT/IS strategies, risk management, and security deployment has earned him accolades from peers and industry leaders alike.

Dedicated to constant evolution in the cybersecurity landscape, Gaurav Batra continues to champion cybersecurity education, professional training, and awareness initiatives to safeguard digital ecosystems and enhance risk management practices worldwide. His passion for innovation and security makes him a key influencer in the cybersecurity community.

The Interview:

  1. Introduction and Background
    1. Could you please introduce yourself and provide a brief overview of your experience in cybersecurity?

I’m Gaurav Batra, the Founder and CEO of CyberFrat, where we focus on cybersecurity education and community engagement. With over 18 years in the IT and information security field, I’ve had the privilege of working with major organizations like JP Morgan, MetLife, and Mondelēz International. My journey began with a passion for technology, which evolved into a deep commitment to cybersecurity as I witnessed the increasing threats in the digital landscape. I’ve led

initiatives that train thousands in cybersecurity practices, emphasizing the importance of awareness and proactive measures. My goal is to bridge the gap between complex cybersecurity concepts and practical applications, making security accessible to everyone.

  • What sparked your interest in cybersecurity, and what led you to specialize in ransomware threats? I discovered my interest in cybersecurity back in college when I became fascinated by technology and its endless possibilities. The movie Swordfish played a big role in sparking my interest in hacking and the complex world of computers. I decided to take an ethical hacking course, which eventually led to my first job as an ethical hacker. Since then, I’ve dived into different areas of cybersecurity, from risk management to security architecture. While I wouldn’t call myself an expert, I pride myself on being a jack of all trades in this dynamic field.

2.  Understanding Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)

  • For those unfamiliar with RaaS, could you explain what it is and how it differs from traditional ransomware attacks?

RaaS is a model wherein ransomware developers lease tools and infrastructure to cybercriminals, where even less-than-skilled individuals are able to carry out highly targeted attacks. Dissimilarly to the case of traditional ransomware, where the attacker builds up his malware himself, Raas democratizes the criminal business of cyber extortion by offering an out-of-the-box solution to affiliates. This model lowers the cybercrime barrier to entry and offers a marketplace where ransomware developers and affiliates come together. This has made ransomware attacks much more accessible and rewarding, thus greatly increasing the frequency and impact of incidents on organizations worldwide.

  • What are the different roles involved in the RaaS ecosystem, and how do they collaborate to execute attacks?

The RaaS ecosystem consists of several key roles: developers, affiliates, and sometimes even support teams. Developers create the ransomware and provide the infrastructure needed for deployment, often offering customer support to affiliates. Affiliates, who may lack technical expertise, purchase or lease the ransomware and execute attacks on targeted organizations. They often collaborate through underground forums or darknet marketplaces, where they share tactics and strategies. This collaboration enhances the effectiveness of attacks, as affiliates can leverage the developers’ expertise while focusing on executing the attacks and collecting ransoms, creating a symbiotic relationship that fuels the growth of RaaS.

3.  The Evolution of RaaS and its Business Model

  • How has the business model of RaaS evolved over the years, and why is it becoming increasingly popular among cybercriminals?

RaaS has finally come of age: from simple ransomware selling to a fully-fledged subscription-based service. Initially, developers sold their malware right out, but most these days provide tiered services consisting of customer support, updates, and even marketing support for affiliates. This evolution has made RaaS increasingly appealing to cybercriminals because of its low risk and high reward.

The lucrative nature of ransomware attacks, along with easy access to the services, has precipitated a surge of RaaS operations that empower a wider range of people towards cybercrime with limited technical skillsets.

  • Can you shed light on the financial incentives for both developers and affiliates in a RaaS operation?

What kind of profits are they looking at?

Developers can earn substantial income by charging affiliates a fee for access to their ransomware, often coupled with a percentage of the ransom collected. Affiliates, on the other hand, can make tens of thousands of dollars per successful attack. The profitability of RaaS has created a thriving underground economy where both parties are incentivized to collaborate.

4.  Technical Aspects and Operations

  • What are some of the most common ransomware strains being sold as a service today, and what makes them effective?

Some of the most common RaaS strains include REvil, DarkSide, and LockBit. These strains are effective due to their sophisticated encryption techniques and the ability to execute double extortion tactics, where attackers not only encrypt data but also threaten to leak sensitive information if the ransom isn’t paid.

  • How do RaaS operators use underground forums or darknet marketplaces to recruit affiliates and distribute their tools?

RaaS operators leverage underground forums and darknet marketplaces to recruit affiliates by showcasing their ransomware capabilities and offering incentives. These platforms provide a space for operators to advertise their services, share testimonials, and build a community around their ransomware, making it easier for potential affiliates to join and start launching attacks.

5.  Ransomware Tactics and Techniques

  • What tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) do RaaS affiliates typically use to gain initial access to targeted systems?

RaaS affiliates often employ tactics such as phishing attacks, exploiting software vulnerabilities, and using remote desktop protocol (RDP) brute-force attacks to gain initial access. Once inside, they can deploy the ransomware and execute their attack.

  • How has the use of double extortion and data leaks evolved in recent years, and how does it impact an organization’s decision to pay a ransom?

The tactics of ransomware attacks have rapidly involved various methods of double extortion. Recently, attackers have started not only to encrypt sensitive data but also to back up the data and then threaten organizations periodically, asking for ransoms in exchange for not leaking the data. This adds immense pressure on the victim, as the potential for reputational damage and regulatory repercussions can far outweigh the ransom cost. Now, organizations are often faced with the problem of having to pay not only to regain access to their data, but also to prevent sensitive information from being widely released or sold on the dark web. In this way, this change in tactic has turned ransomware into an even more lucrative and complex threat, which is forcing businesses to rethink their strategy regarding cybersecurity and incident response. Eventually, such fear of data leaks can prompt organizations to consider paying ransom more seriously, despite having backup systems available.

6.  Impact on Businesses and Organizations

  • What industries or sectors are most vulnerable to RaaS attacks, and why?

Industries such as healthcare, finance, and critical infrastructure are particularly vulnerable to RaaS attacks due to their reliance on sensitive data and the potential for significant disruption. The urgency of their services often leads to quicker ransom payments, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals.

  • Can you share some real-world examples of RaaS attacks and their consequences on the targeted organizations?

Dharma has been in operation since 2016 under a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) model, where developers license or sell ransomware to other criminals who then carry out an attack using the malware. Dharma affiliates do not appear to discriminate among industries. CrowdStrike identified that the original author of Dharma released the source code in 2016 before ceasing activity. Since

this threat actor’s departure, Dharma has been marketed and sold by multiple, apparently independent actors, two of which were active in 2019 — and at least one remains active as of January 2020. Separately, while the Phobos ransomware is likely to have been inspired by Dharma, the codebase of Phobos appears separate from Dharma.

7.  Legal and Ethical Implications

  • What are the legal challenges in combating RaaS operations, especially when perpetrators are spread across different jurisdictions?

The fact that RaaS operations are global and decentralized adds to various legal challenges in trying to defeat this threat. Many cybercriminals operate in jurisdictions with very lax enforcement of cybercrime laws, hindering law enforcement agencies in pursuing and prosecuting offenders across borders. The anonymity provided by the dark web further complicates this process of tracking, locating, and holding the perpetrators accountable with the use of cryptocurrencies. Another big problem is that different countries have diversified legal frameworks, and hence standards of proof required for prosecution also differ. It is just about impossible to coordinate with relevant authorities in real-time criminal takedowns because of the diverse amount of evidence required to prove a crime

in different countries. Because of the lack of harmonized legislation and cooperation that goes with it, it would not be possible to effectively dismantle RaaS operations that span several jurisdictions.

  • How do governments and international bodies collaborate to tackle this growing threat?

Governments and international bodies are increasingly collaborating to tackle the growing threat of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) through various initiatives aimed at enhancing cybersecurity resilience. One significant platform for this collaboration is the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE), which connects over 200 members, including governments, international organizations, and private sector entities. The GFCE focuses on sharing best practices, resources, and intelligence to strengthen cyber capacity globally. Additionally, countries are engaging in bilateral agreements and participating in joint exercises to improve their response capabilities against cyber threats. In India, efforts are being made to align with international standards and frameworks, enhancing cooperation with global partners to combat cybercrime effectively. By fostering a collaborative environment, these initiatives aim to build a robust defense against the evolving landscape of cyber threats, including RaaS.

8.  Defense Strategies and Best Practices

  • What measures should organizations take to protect themselves against RaaS attacks? Are there specific tools or technologies that you recommend?

Organizations should implement a multi-layered security approach that includes regular software updates, robust endpoint protection, and network segmentation. Tools such as intrusion detection systems (IDS), firewalls, and backup solutions are essential. Additionally, adopting a zero-trust architecture can significantly enhance security.

  • How important is employee training in reducing the risk of ransomware attacks, and what should a good training program include?

Employee training is crucial in reducing the risk of ransomware attacks. A good training program should include phishing awareness, safe browsing practices, and incident reporting procedures.

Regular simulations and updates on emerging threats can keep employees informed and vigilant.

9.  Incident Response and Recovery

  • If an organization falls victim to a RaaS attack, what steps should they take immediately to minimize damage?

Organizations should immediately isolate affected systems to prevent further spread, assess the extent of the damage, and notify relevant stakeholders. Engaging with cybersecurity experts and law enforcement can help in managing the situation effectively.

  • Could you explain the importance of having a well-prepared incident response plan and how organizations should approach ransomware negotiation?

A well-prepared incident response plan is vital for minimizing damage and ensuring a coordinated response. Organizations should approach ransomware negotiation with caution, ideally involving cybersecurity professionals who can assess the situation and advise on the best course of action, including whether to pay the ransom.

10.  The Future of RaaS and Cybersecurity

  • Where do you see the future of RaaS heading? Are there any emerging trends that organizations should be aware of?

The future of RaaS is likely to see increased sophistication, with attackers leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance their tactics. Organizations should be aware of the potential for more targeted attacks and the rise of RaaS models that offer subscription services for ongoing support.

  • How do you think the cybersecurity industry needs to evolve to keep up with the rapidly changing landscape of ransomware threats?

The cybersecurity industry must prioritize innovation and adaptability. This includes investing in advanced threat detection technologies, fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, and emphasizing continuous education and training to stay ahead of emerging threats.

11.  Personal Insights and Recommendations

  • In your opinion, what is the most significant misconception about ransomware and RaaS that needs to be addressed?

A significant misconception is that ransomware attacks only target large organizations. In reality, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are often more vulnerable due to limited resources and awareness. All organizations, regardless of size, must prioritize cybersecurity.

  • What advice would you give to young cybersecurity professionals looking to specialize in combating ransomware?

Closing Note:

Thank you for sharing your valuable insights with us today. Your expertise on the intricacies of Ransomware-as-a-Service and its growing threat is invaluable to our readers. Before we wrap up, is there anything else you would like to add or a key takeaway you would like our audience to remember?

  • To wrap up I’ll just say that the cybersecurity landscape continuously changes; every day, a new threat pops up. How you protect yourself and your organization depends on how effectively you network and upskill. You need to invest your time in learning and collaborating with a community of people who are actually working on real problems in cybersecurity. Stay connected and up-to- date to more effectively navigate the challenges posed by threats like Ransomware-as-a-Service, while improving your overall cybersecurity posture. Keep in mind that proactive engagement and education remain the best defenses in this ever-changing field.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to share your expertise with our readers. Your insights will greatly contribute to the understanding and advancement of “Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS): How Cyber Extortion Has Become as Easy as Drinking Water, Enabling Non-Tech Savvy Hackers to Launch Attacks”.

Ouaissou DEMBELE
Ouaissou DEMBELEhttp://cybercory.com
Ouaissou DEMBELE is an accomplished cybersecurity professional and the Editor-In-Chief of cybercory.com. He has over 10 years of experience in the field, with a particular focus on Ethical Hacking, Data Security & GRC. Currently, Ouaissou serves as the Co-founder & Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Saintynet, a leading provider of IT solutions and services. In this role, he is responsible for managing the company's cybersecurity strategy, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, and identifying and mitigating potential threats, as well as helping the company customers for better & long term cybersecurity strategy. Prior to his work at Saintynet, Ouaissou held various positions in the IT industry, including as a consultant. He has also served as a speaker and trainer at industry conferences and events, sharing his expertise and insights with fellow professionals. Ouaissou holds a number of certifications in cybersecurity, including the Cisco Certified Network Professional - Security (CCNP Security) and the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), ITIL. With his wealth of experience and knowledge, Ouaissou is a valuable member of the cybercory team and a trusted advisor to clients seeking to enhance their cybersecurity posture.

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