Endpoints are always the most vulnerable entry points for ransomware attacks.
All the devices like laptops, desktops, that we rely on for our daily business needs are the most exposed layer in a network, and cybercriminals know it. With the rise of Ransomware attacks, even low-skilled attackers can breach unsecured endpoints and launch high-impact attacks within minutes.
In this blog series, we will learn how ransomware enters through endpoints, how it progresses inside the system, and why we need to treat endpoint protection as an important aspect of cybersecurity defense.
How Ransomware Gets In
Attackers use many methods to gain access to the endpoints. This method, most of the time, depends upon the user activity like clicking, downloading, or logging into something that is not secure.
Phishing Emails : The attackers send emails with links or files, and when you click on them, ransomware is downloaded
Unsecured Websites : When you visit an unsafe website and allow access to your device, it might install ransomware in the background without your knowledge.
Remote Desktop Access : A remote desktop with a weak password and login is also more vulnerable to a ransomware attack.
USB Drives : A USB drive that is infected with a ransomware virus that is plugged into an endpoint can attack the endpoint.
Fake Updates : A message prompts the user to install a software update. It is actually malware.
All of these methods rely on the endpoint being open or the user making a mistake.
What Ransomware Does After Entry
Once ransomware executes on an endpoint, it follows a defined sequence. This is usually automated.
Step 1: Establish Persistence
Adds registry keys under
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Places executables in startup folders
Step 2: Disable Security Tools
- Stops antivirus processes
- Modifies firewall or Group Policy settings
- Deletes security logs
Step 3: Scan the Network
- Uses net view or arp to find other systems
- Looks for open SMB shares or mapped drives
Step 4: Delete Backups
- Executes commands like:
vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet
wmic shadowcopy delete - Stops backup-related services
- Encrypts mounted backup drives
Step 5: Encrypt Files
- Encrypts selected file types with symmetric keys
- Stores ransom note in each affected folder
Why Local Recovery Fails
Once ransomware runs on an endpoint, it tries to remove any recovery options available on that same device.
The most common action is deleting Volume Shadow Copies, which are built-in restore points in Windows. This removes all system snapshots silently.
Ransomware also tries to stop backup software or services running on the endpoint. If backup folders are stored locally or on mapped drives, they are either encrypted or deleted like any other file.
Because of this, any backup stored on the infected system is usually lost during the attack. Recovery fails if there’s no external or protected backup source.
Ransomware entry through the endpoint is only the beginning. Once access is gained, the goal is to spread, encrypt more systems, and remove recovery paths. Preventing this requires monitoring, access restrictions, and process control at the endpoint level.
In the next part, we’ll look at how to build a layered endpoint defense strategy,covering tools, configurations, and isolation techniques.
Conclusion
Most ransomware attacks begin with a small action at the endpoint. A single file, link, or login can lead to data loss. Once running, ransomware disables restore points, removes backup files, and targets network shares. Recovery fails if the only backups are stored on the same device or network.
To reduce impact, endpoint protection must be accompanied with a secure, separate third – party backup. Tools like BDRSuite support this by providing endpoint – level backup that is protected, automated, and verified – so recovery is possible even when the endpoint is lost.
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