# Ransomware Protection with Cloud Storage | DragBin [Back to Blog](/blog/)Security # Understanding Ransomware: Why Cloud Backup Matters In Ransomware Protection June 3, 202611 min readArticle ### Table of Contents - What is Ransomware? - How Do Ransomware Attacks Work? - Is Paying the Ransom Really a Way Out? - Ransomware Protection: How to Secure Your Data - Email and Phishing Awareness to Prevent Ransomware - Cloud Backup as a Safety Net to Combat Ransomware - Protect Your Files Forever with Post Quantum Encryption Whether it's in real life or in movies, all of us have come across a volatile hostage situation. Under the threat of violence or arms, the attacker detains the individual(s) and asks for specific demands, usually a ransom. Think of ransomware like a hostage crisis where a cybercriminal takes your files by locking or encrypting them. Once your files are inaccessible, the attacker demands a ransom in exchange, usually through cryptocurrency to maintain anonymity. However, nothing is guaranteed and paying a ransom is not the way out. In this article, we will discuss ransomware protection, how common this cybercrime is and the fate of some businesses who paid. ## What is Ransomware? In simple words, ransomware is a type of malware that breaches your computer's security and encrypts your files. It blocks access to those files and the attackers demand a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key needed to restore access. Sometimes, people get completely locked out of their operating system. While tracing the history of ransomware, [Crowdstrike](https://www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/cybersecurity-101/ransomware/history-of-ransomware/) notes one of the earliest instances in 1989 with the AIDS Trojan, distributed via floppy disks. People had "to send $189 to a P.O. box in Panama" to retrieve their files. By 2010 and the rise of cryptocurrency as an anonymous means, ransomware as a model was further monetized. ## How Do Ransomware Attacks Work? Scams of any kind are like bacteria : they adapt, mutate, and evolve in response to countermeasures. Ransomware too has evolved significantly, constantly adjusting to the environment. The malicious software or virus infiltration does not appear out of nowhere, rather tricks you into paving the way. Some common ways include phishing emails, a useful PDF that can install ransom, unprotected or shady websites, weak antivirus or exploring weak passwords for an easy entry. For this reason, it is crucial to check your password strength and generate a strong password for different use cases. Now, once someone pays the ransom, the attacker is expected to hold up their deal and unlock the data. Instead of providing the decryption key to unlock the files, attackers have now indulged in "double extortion" tactics. As the name already suggests, they not only lock your files but threaten to leak them if the large sum is not paid. ## Is Paying the Ransom Really a Way Out? To give you an idea of how common these attacks and if paying the ransom really helps, we listed a few reports. The [Semperis 2024 Ransomware Risk Report](https://www.semperis.com/press-release/semperis-2024-ransomware-study/) states that "78% of targeted organizations paid the ransom" and "72% paid multiple times...33% of those paid ransom four times or more." From these, "35% of victims who paid ransom either did not receive decryption keys or received corrupted keys." According to a [survey conducted by the Ponemon Institute](https://www.hipaajournal.com/cost-of-a-ransomare-attack-study-2024/) on behalf of Illumio, around "51% of victims admitted to paying the ransom demand" in 2024. From these, only "13% of victims were able to recover all encrypted data" while "40% said the ransom was paid but data was still leaked." Moreover, 32% said additional payments were demanded or they were threatened with further attacks" despite paying the ransom. Then there's another issue where the attacker will provide the decryptor but it might fail to work due to technical issues. A [report by Guide Point Security](https://www.guidepointsecurity.com/blog/hazard-ransomware-a-successful-broken-encryptor-story/) writes about how a company paid the ransom associated with Hazard Ransomware. The "Threat Actor provided a decryptor that was unable to properly decrypt all of the victim's files" due to a technical glitch. These surveys and reports prove that ransomware protection is crucial and trusting the attackers rarely works out. ## Ransomware Protection: How to Secure Your Data To begin with, the best ransomware protection revolves around keeping your antivirus up to date. It is best for you to regularly install security updates to patch certain vulnerabilities. That being said, some attackers get the better of anti ransomware solutions with sophisticated tricks. Some of the easier ways to avoid ransomware traps include :- Not repeating the same, short and simple passwords for all of your accounts. It is advised to create unique, long and complex passwords plus enable MFA to reduce the risk of unauthorized access. - Prevention is better than cure and you should only install trusted and well reputed anti virus softwares. Top choices for ransomware protection and recovery include CrowdStrike Falcon, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and SentinelOne Singularity. - Avoid suspicious websites, deals in emails that are too good to be true, PDFs from random sites and downloading unauthorised apps that seek excess permissions. - Implement a recovery system and regularly back up sensitive and important data. This ransomware protection with cloud backup approach ensures data can be restored if an attack occurs. - If you're a business, start educating employees and training them to recognize phishing emails. Attackers send emails pretending to be a trusted organisation or partner to steal credentials. If your employee has access to sensitive data and accidentally downloads the virus, the whole system can be compromised. For this reason, [DragBin for Business](https://www.dragbin.com/business/) offers secure virtual data rooms and role based permission to segment data. - Additionally, businesses should also develop an immediate damage control or incident response plan. Isolate compromised systems and begin restoring operations before the attacker gets hold of more. However, while these security measures reduce the risk, a sophisticated virus may bypass the perfect defense. [Try DragBin for Business](/business/) ## Email and Phishing Awareness to Prevent Ransomware Phishing emails remain one of the most common entry points which hackers use during ransomware attacks. According to [Paloalto's Global Incident Response Report 2026](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/research/unit-42-incident-response-report), "Identity-based phishing (22%)... remain the leading drivers of modern breaches." For this reason, verifying the sender's email address and attachments become a crucial part in preventing ransomware. As discussed already in the above section, effective ransomware protection and recovery depends on both preventing phishing attacks. With the culture of remote work growing rapidly, employees logging in from multiple devices create more risks. Nonetheless, implementing an immutable backup system with version history is ideal for recovery. ## Cloud Backup as a Safety Net to Combat Ransomware Whether it's user awareness or anti-ransom detection tools, having cloud storage acts like a holy grail in such scenarios. Since attackers don't provide the decryption keys even after the ransom, the best way is to restore data on your own. Therefore, if your system gets hacked, there will always be a recent backup without relying on the attacker's mercy. Using a quantum resistant cloud storage like DragBin for Business is among the best ransomware protection methods with cloud backup. You will get file versioning, seamless sync across all the devices and granular access logs. Version history is the most important because it allows you to restore files from a point before the ransomware infection occurred. Choose a reliable backup instead of paying the attacker and simply delete all your data on the previous hard drive. ## Protect Your Files Forever with Post Quantum Encryption DragBin for Business offers a secure cloud storage alongside multi layered disaster recovery to safeguard your data. You can add unlimited users to the plan, utilize secure virtual data rooms and admin management for role based permissions. From secure file sharing and advanced media capabilities to encrypted e-signatures and detailed analytics, your data is always secure. With client side, post quantum encryption (ML-KEM + AES 256), attackers using the "[Harvest Now, Decrypt Later](/harvest-now-decrypt-later/)" method cannot breach your encrypted files. Our system has completely [zero knowledge](/zero-knowledge-encryption/) with metadata protection, meaning only you can access your files. With all these security measures and DragBin's secure cloud backup, your sensitive data will always be protected with strong ransomware protection.[Secure my data](https://app.dragbin.com/signup) ### Share this article Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare via EmailCopy link ### Related Articles SecurityMarch 10, 2025-10 min read #### [End-to-End Encryption: What It Is, How It Works, Benefits, Risks & Best Practices (2025 Guide)](/blog/end-to-end-encryption/) Comprehensive 2025 guide to end-to-end encryption (E2EE): definition, how it works, real benefits, limitations, forward secrecy, post-quantum readiness and best practices. 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[Read Article](/blog/quantum-computing-threats/) ### Experience End-to-End Encryption with DragBin Ready to protect your sensitive files with the same military-grade encryption discussed in this article? Try DragBin today and experience true data privacy. Start Free Trial ### Stay Updated on Security Trends Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest security news, tips, and insights directly to your inbox. Subscribe Now --- Canonical: https://www.dragbin.com/blog/ransomware-protection-cloud-backup