by The Computing Australia Group | Ransomware as a Service
(RaaS): Cybercrime Made Easy
Cybercrime has evolved into a fully fledged industry – one that mirrors the structure, marketing, and customer support of legitimate software businesses. Among the most disturbing trends in this underground economy is Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS).
RaaS allows even non-technical criminals to launch devastating ransomware attacks by simply paying for a subscription. In other words, cyber-extortion has become a “pay-to-play” business.
This article will explain what ransomware is, how RaaS works, why it’s growing so quickly, and – most importantly – what practical steps your organisation can take to defend against it.
Understanding Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system or encrypt valuable data until a ransom is paid – usually in cryptocurrency.
According to multiple cybersecurity reports, fewer than 10% of organisations that pay actually recover all of their data. The rest either receive unusable keys or face repeated extortion attempts.
How Does Ransomware Infect Systems?
Ransomware usually infiltrates networks through one or more of these methods:
Attackers trick users into opening malicious attachments or clicking infected links that silently install ransomware.
2. Compromised Websites or Ads:
Users visiting infected websites can unknowingly download malware through “drive-by downloads.”
3. Exploiting Vulnerabilities:
Outdated operating systems and unpatched software are easy entry points for attackers.
4. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Attacks:
Cybercriminals exploit weak or reused passwords to gain direct access to systems.
From Malware to Business Model: What Is Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)?
Think of it as the malicious mirror of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). Just like a legitimate SaaS company offers monthly plans and customer service, RaaS operators provide subscription options for hackers-for-hire.
How the RaaS Model Works
Here’s what typically happens:
3. The affiliates launch attacks on chosen targets – individuals, corporations, or governments.
4. When a ransom is paid, profits are shared between the RaaS operator and the affiliate.
This model dramatically lowers the entry barrier for cybercrime. Even someone with minimal technical skill can run a ransomware campaign – much like starting an e-commerce store using pre-built templates.
Common RaaS Business Models
RaaS operations generally fall into one of these categories:
1. Monthly Subscription:
Users pay a fixed monthly fee for continuous access to ransomware tools, updates, and customer support.
2. One-Time License Fee:
3. Affiliate Programs:
Developers earn a percentage (often 20–40%) of each ransom collected by affiliates.
4. Profit-Sharing:
A fully managed model where the RaaS operator handles distribution and negotiation, and profits are split after successful attacks.
Some RaaS portals even offer user reviews, video tutorials, dashboards, and ticket-based support systems – making them indistinguishable from legitimate tech platforms.
Notorious RaaS Examples
Several infamous ransomware families have operated under the RaaS model, including:
- Locky – Known for spreading through massive phishing campaigns.
- Jokeroo – A subscription-based platform with tiered pricing for different ransomware versions.
- Encryptor – Offered customizable payloads for affiliates.
- Shark and Stampado – Early RaaS variants that pioneered profit-sharing systems.
Each new iteration of these families introduces smarter evasion techniques and stronger encryption algorithms, making them increasingly difficult to detect and remove.
Why RaaS Is So Dangerous
Here’s why RaaS represents an elevated risk:
1. Lower Barrier to Entry
Previously, only skilled hackers could craft complex ransomware. RaaS enables anyone to do it with a simple payment in cryptocurrency. The result: a surge in attack frequency worldwide.
2. Professionalisation of Cybercrime
RaaS operators run structured businesses complete with marketing, support teams, and even “service guarantees.” They continuously update their tools to bypass antivirus and EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) systems.
3. Double and Triple Extortion Tactics
Modern ransomware gangs don’t just encrypt data – they exfiltrate sensitive files and threaten to publish them if the ransom isn’t paid. Some groups even engage in triple extortion, targeting the victim’s customers or partners next.
4. Constantly Evolving Threats
The competition among RaaS developers drives rapid innovation. Every few weeks, new variants appear with enhanced stealth capabilities and encryption methods that outpace security tools.
5. Global Impact
RaaS attacks have disrupted hospitals, manufacturing plants, logistics firms, and even government agencies. The average cost of a ransomware breach exceeds USD 5 million, including ransom payments, downtime, and recovery efforts.
How to Protect Your Organisation from RaaS Attacks
Ransomware prevention requires a combination of technology, training, and resilience planning. The goal isn’t only to stop attacks but also to minimise damage if one succeeds.
Below are key strategies that every business should adopt:
1. Keep Systems and Software Updated
Regular patching is your first line of defence. Apply security updates for:
- Operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Applications such as browsers, email clients, and productivity suites
- Firewalls and network devices
Enable automatic updates where possible, and create a monthly patch management schedule for manual checks.
2. Segment Your Network
Dividing your network into smaller, isolated zones limits the spread of ransomware.
Best practices include:
- Separating sensitive databases from public or employee access networks
- Using firewalls and VLANs (Virtual LANs) for segmentation
- Restricting lateral movement with role-based access controls (RBAC)
- Implementing 24/7 network monitoring and intrusion detection systems
If one area is compromised, segmentation ensures the entire organisation isn’t held hostage.
3. Provide Cybersecurity Awareness Training
Human error remains the top cause of ransomware infections. Educate employees to:
- Identify phishing attempts and suspicious attachments
- Verify sender authenticity before downloading files or clicking links
- Use strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Report suspicious activity immediately
4. Back Up Data Securely (Use the 3-2-1 Rule)
A reliable backup strategy can mean the difference between recovery and catastrophe. Follow the 3-2-1 rule:
- 3 copies of your data (1 primary + 2 backups)
- Stored on 2 different types of media (e.g., local and cloud)
- With 1 copy stored offsite or offline
Ensure backups are encrypted and test recovery procedures regularly. Offline backups are crucial because some ransomware variants seek out and encrypt online backups.
5. Implement Advanced Endpoint Protection
Modern endpoint protection platforms (EPP) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems use machine learning to identify ransomware patterns before they execute.
Look for solutions offering:
- Real-time file behaviour analysis
- AI-driven anomaly detection
- Automatic rollback or quarantine features
- Integration with your security information and event management (SIEM) system
6. Adopt a Zero-Trust Security Model
Zero Trust assumes that no user or device – internal or external – should be automatically trusted.
Key Zero-Trust principles include:
- Continuous verification of user identity and device integrity
- Strict access controls with least-privilege policies
- Micro-segmentation to isolate workloads
- Constant monitoring and logging for unusual behaviour
This approach significantly reduces the attack surface available to ransomware operators.
7. Develop and Test an Incident Response Plan
Your IR plan should cover:
- Identifying and isolating infected devices
- Communicating with stakeholders and law enforcement
- Deciding whether to pay the ransom (experts advise against it)
- Restoring systems from clean backups
- Conducting post-incident reviews to strengthen defences
Conduct tabletop exercises quarterly to ensure every department knows its role in the event of a ransomware crisis.
8. Secure Remote Access and Cloud Environments
With hybrid work and cloud adoption, the attack surface has widened. Secure your remote and cloud environments by:
- Using VPNs with strong encryption
- Enforcing MFA for all remote logins
- Limiting administrative privileges
- Reviewing access logs for anomalies
- Configuring cloud storage permissions carefully
Additional Defensive Layers
- Email Security Gateways: Filter out malicious attachments and phishing attempts before they reach inboxes.
- DNS Filtering: Block access to known malicious domains.
- Regular Security Audits: Conduct penetration tests and vulnerability scans quarterly.
- Cyber Insurance: Consider coverage that includes ransomware recovery assistance.
What to Do If You’re Infected
If your organisation falls victim to ransomware:
1. Disconnect affected devices immediately to stop the spread.
2. Notify your IT security team or managed service provider.
3. Do not pay the ransom unless advised by law enforcement – it encourages further attacks and doesn’t guarantee recovery.
4. Preserve evidence for investigation.
5. Restore from clean backups after the infection is contained.
6. Conduct a post-mortem review to identify vulnerabilities and patch them.
The Future of RaaS and Ransomware Threats
Experts predict RaaS will continue to evolve, with attackers leveraging AI-driven automation and deepfake-enhanced phishing to increase success rates.
We can also expect:
- Ransomware targeting IoT and cloud workloads
- Integration with data-harvesting tools for more sophisticated extortion
- Cross-platform ransomware that hits Windows, macOS, and Linux simultaneously
Defending against these threats requires proactive investment in cybersecurity infrastructure and strong partnerships with trusted IT security providers.
Building a Strong Defence Strategy
RaaS is the dark-web counterpart of legitimate SaaS – and it’s growing fast. Businesses can’t afford complacency.
Your best protection lies in:
- Ongoing employee education
- Regular updates and patches
- Robust data backups
- Zero-Trust architecture
- Professional cybersecurity support
Jargon Buster
Malware – Software specifically designed to damage computers, networks, and servers or steal data.
Cryptocurrency – It is a digital currency that can only be traded online.
