Ransomware Without Encryption: Why Pure Exfiltration Attacks Are Surging

"If battling ransomware isn't challenging enough, these attacks have undergone a significant metamorphosis, with attackers shedding their encryption-based model for one of pure exfiltration. The Result? A more stealthy, discreet approach that successfully bypasses traditional defenses to snatch sensitive data and employ a double or triple extortion scheme. With pure exfiltration, businesses don't realize they're a victim until it's too late."

"Pure exfiltration's ability to blend into its victims' day-to-day workflow is fueling this adoption. It helps that businesses are handling enormous volumes of data moving in and out of cloud services, SaaS platforms, remote access tools, and third-party integrations. Monitoring the movement of legitimate activity is one thing. Asking teams to distinguish malicious activities from this sea of legitimate workflows is a task that most are not equipped to handle."

Attackers have shifted from encryption-based ransomware to pure exfiltration, removing immediate disruption and enabling stealthy theft of sensitive data for double or triple extortion. Pure exfiltration blends into normal workflows and leverages large volumes of data moving through cloud services, SaaS platforms, remote access tools, and third-party integrations. Routine monitoring struggles to distinguish malicious activity from legitimate operations, delaying detection. Without encrypted systems going offline, attacks can persist for weeks or months while attackers assess progress and adjust tactics. Victims often only learn of compromise when extortion arrives, lacking evidence to determine causes or prevent recurrence. Exfiltration methods include cloud uploads, DNS tunnels, and physical removal via USB.

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