Ransomware in Focus: Comparative Analysis of Common Techniques and Emerging Anomalies

Abstract: Ransomware continues to be a pervasive and evolving cybersecurity threat, disrupting critical infrastructure, compromising data integrity, and causing substantial financial losses. This paper presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of common ransomware techniques alongside emerging anomalies observed in recent attacks. Traditional ransomware methods such as file encryption, network propagation, and ransom note delivery are explored to establish a foundational understanding. The study then shifts focus to newer, more sophisticated anomalies, including double extortion, fileless ransomware, and AI-driven obfuscation techniques. By examining attack vectors, payload behaviors, and evasion strategies, the research identifies patterns that aid in early detection and defense. The paper also evaluates real-world incidents and analyzes threat intelligence data to highlight trends in attacker behavior and targets. The findings aim to enhance awareness and preparedness among cybersecurity professionals, proposing proactive strategies and adaptive countermeasures for mitigating future ransomware threats in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Malware Analysis, Threat Detection, Fileless Attacks, Double Extortion, Encryption Techniques, AI-based Evasion, Anomaly Detection, Incident Response

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