Abstract

Ransomware has rapidly evolved into one of the most critical cybersecurity threats confronting organizations across industries. Characterized by malicious software that encrypts or locks access to critical data until a ransom is paid, ransomware attacks have escalated in frequency, sophistication, and financial impact. This paper investigates the rising threat of ransomware, examining contemporary attack methods, including phishing campaigns, remote desktop protocol exploitation, and supply chain vulnerabilities. The study highlights the profound consequences of successful attacks, ranging from operational downtime and data loss to reputational damage and regulatory penalties. Emphasizing proactive measures, the research explores prevention strategies that combine technological solutions, such as intrusion detection systems, regular data backups, and network segmentation, with organizational policies including employee training and access management protocols. Furthermore, the paper presents effective response strategies to mitigate the impact of attacks when prevention fails. These include establishing incident response plans, coordinating with cybersecurity experts and law enforcement, executing data recovery procedures, and understanding legal and regulatory obligations associated with ransomware incidents. By synthesizing preventive and responsive approaches, organizations can enhance their cyber resilience, minimize financial and operational losses, and maintain stakeholder trust. This study underscores the need for a holistic, multi-layered defense strategy that integrates both technological safeguards and organizational preparedness to combat the growing threat of ransomware. The findings provide actionable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers seeking to strengthen organizational cybersecurity posture in an era of increasingly complex digital threats.

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