Ransomware definition

Ransomware—we can no longer ignore the fact that an increasing number of organisations are being targeted. Here is a short explanation of ransomware: in a ransomware attack, hackers first gain access to your network. They might do this through an infected email, for example, or by breaking in by exploiting a bug in your hardware or software. They then encrypt the files on your computer systems and send you a message saying that you will not be able to regain access until you have paid a ‘ransom’. A growing number of organisations big and small are being hit by ransomware attacks.

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Conversations with our specialists are always confidential due to our professional secrecy.

The damage resulting from a ransomware attack can be extensive. This is not only because your organisation grinds to a halt for days or even weeks, but also because the ransom amounts for organisations tend to be high. Moreover, post-attack, you also often have to make substantial investments to restore the integrity of your systems by investigating which systems are still infected and then cleaning those up. After all, the hacker still has access to your systems, even if you have paid a ransom.

Our approach: preventing a ransomware attack

Hoffmann offers the following services:

• E-mail-, spear- en voice phishing

We attempt to gain access to your systems by contacting your employees or the users of your systems by email or phone.

• Usb-key drop

We leave a USB key containing malware behind in your organisation to entice your employees to plug it into a PC. In that way, we can gain access to your system.

• Walk-in test

We check whether we can gain access to your systems by physically entering your premises.

• Pentest

Our ethical hackers try to penetrate your organisation and systems in creative ways.

• Red Teaming

In a Red Teaming-exercise, we use a made-to-measure combination of the above techniques to penetrate your system.

• Cybersecurity behavioural programme

Have our exercises revealed that we penetrated the system ‘with the help’ of your employees? Then our  behavioural programme will help arm your employees against cybercriminals.

What if you are the victim of a ransomware attack?

If you are unexpectedly hit by a ransomware attack, it is important to take measures as soon as the attack is over to prevent it from happening again. To do this, you can commission Hoffmann to conduct a digital forensic investigations. In a digital forensic investigation, we find out how the hackers got in and where they managed to penetrate. A prerequisite for this is that your organisation is sufficiently ‘forensic ready’. In other words, your technical and physical infrastructure must be well prepared for such an investigation.