Ransomware has grown from a nuisance into one of the most destructive forms of cybercrime today. Whether you're running a small clinic, a multinational company, or even just a personal PC, ransomware doesn't discriminate. One wrong click on a phishing link, one outdated system, or one compromised vendor can lock you out of your own data and bring operations to a standstill.

Today's attackers don't just encrypt files. They steal sensitive information, threaten to leak it, and then demand huge cryptocurrency ransoms. With newer strains emerging constantly, defending against ransomware requires more than just antivirus software—it takes a combination of monitoring, detection, response, and strict security hygiene.

And that's where Wazuh comes in.

Understanding How Modern Ransomware Works

To defend against ransomware, it helps to understand how attackers build and unleash it. While ransomware once relied on basic file-locking techniques, today's variants operate like fully engineered products.

How Ransomware Is Built

Most ransomware is developed by cybercriminal groups, often operating like professional software teams. They:

One of the biggest trends today is Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)—a subscription model where criminals "rent out" ransomware kits to affiliates who launch attacks and share the profits. This makes ransomware far more accessible to inexperienced attackers.

How It Spreads

Once deployed, ransomware can enter networks in many ways:

Attackers no longer rely on a single delivery method—they combine social engineering, vulnerabilities, and automation to maximize success rates.

The Real-World Impact: It's More Than Just "Encrypted Files"

When ransomware strikes, the damage ripples far beyond losing access to data.

Financial Fallout

Organizations face:

Even companies that refuse to pay the ransom often end up spending more on recovery.

Operational Breakdown

Ransomware can halt operations for days or weeks.
Critical systems go offline. Customer services collapse. Staff productivity drops to zero.

Some businesses never fully recover.

Reputational Damage

Once customers hear that you've suffered a data breach or had confidential information stolen, rebuilding trust becomes an uphill battle. In industries like healthcare, finance, or insurance, the reputational damage can be worse than the ransom itself.

Preventing Ransomware: The Multi-Layered Approach

No single tool can block every ransomware attack. Successful defense requires a coordinated approach combining tools, policies, and awareness.

Technical Safeguards

Strong cybersecurity baselines include:

Organizational Practices 

Even the best tools fail without proper processes:

This combination of technology and human preparedness forms the backbone of modern ransomware defense.

How Wazuh Strengthens Your Ransomware Defense Strategy

Wazuh stands out as a free, open source XDR and SIEM platform that brings together detection, monitoring, and automated response in one place. For organizations that need visibility across endpoints, servers, cloud workloads, and network devices, Wazuh delivers strong out-of-the-box ransomware protection.

Threat Detection & Prevention

Wazuh uses multiple detection layers, including:

Wazuh doesn't just detect ransomware—its real-time monitoring helps identify behaviors that precede an attack, giving defenders time to react.

Real-World Use Cases: How Wazuh Detects Active Ransomware 

1. Detecting the "DOGE Big Balls" Ransomware Variant

This ransomware strain, a modified version of FOG ransomware, combines reconnaissance, privilege escalation, and data encryption. Wazuh detects it by monitoring:

<group name="doge_big_ball,ransomware,">

  <rule id="100020" level="10">
    <if_sid>61613</if_sid>
    <field name="win.eventdata.image" type="pcre2">(?i)[C-Z]:.*\\\\.*.exe</field>
    <field name="win.eventdata.targetFilename" type="pcre2">(?i)[C-Z]:.*.\\\\DbgLog.sys</field>
    <description>A log file $(win.eventdata.targetFilename) was created to log the output of the reconnaissance activities of the DOGE Big Balls ransomware. Suspicious activity detected.</description>
    <mitre>
      <id>T1486</id>
    </mitre>
  </rule>

  <rule id="100021" level="8" timeframe="300" frequency="2">  
    <if_sid>61603</if_sid>  
    <list field="win.eventdata.commandLine" lookup="match_key">etc/lists/doge-big-balls-ransomware</list>  
    <description>The command $(win.eventdata.commandLine) is executed for reconnaissance activities. Suspicious activity detected.</description>  
    <options>no_full_log</options>  
  </rule>

<!-- Ransom note file creation -->
  <rule id="100022" level="15" timeframe="300" frequency="2">
    <if_sid>61613</if_sid>
    <field name="win.eventdata.image" type="pcre2">(?i)[C-Z]:.*\\\\.*.exe</field>
    <field name="win.eventdata.targetFilename" type="pcre2">(?i)[C-Z]:.*.\\\\readme.txt</field>
    <description>DOGE Big Balls ransom note $(win.eventdata.targetFilename) has been created in multiple directories. Possible DOGE Big Balls ransomware detected.</description>
    <mitre>
      <id>T1486</id>
    </mitre>
  </rule>

  
  <rule id="100023" level="15" timeframe="300" frequency="2" ignore="100">
    <if_matched_sid>100020</if_matched_sid>
    <if_sid>100021</if_sid>
    <description>Possible DOGE Big Balls ransomware detected.</description>
    <mitre>
      <id>T1486</id>
    </mitre>
  </rule> 

</group> 

When Wazuh spots these behaviors, it automatically alerts defenders and can trigger active responses such as isolating the system or deleting the malicious payload.

2. Detecting the Gunra Ransomware Family

Gunra uses double extortion, deletes shadow copies, disables defenses, and encrypts files with the ".ENCRT" extension.

Wazuh flags activities such as:

These indicators allow Wazuh to detect Gunra early—often before full encryption occurs.

Automated Response: Where Wazuh Really Shines

Detection alone is not enough. Rapid action is what saves organizations from catastrophic damage.

Wazuh's Active Response framework can:

Recovery & File Restoration with Wazuh

On Windows endpoints, Wazuh integrates with Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS).
This allows administrators to:

This recovery capability becomes invaluable for organizations that need quick restoration with minimal disruption.

Final Thoughts: Ransomware Isn't Slowing Down, but Neither Is Defense

Ransomware continues to evolve—attacks are faster, smarter, and more targeted than ever. But organizations aren't powerless. With the right detection, monitoring, and rapid response capabilities, most ransomware attempts can be contained before major damage occurs.

Wazuh offers exactly that: A unified, open source platform capable of detecting, stopping, and helping recover from ransomware attacks with minimal cost and maximum visibility.

If you're looking to strengthen your defenses without breaking your IT budget, Wazuh is one of the most capable platforms available today.