+55 21 3512-4074
The Attacker's Perspective
The attacker doesn't think like a criminal — he thinks like a CEO.
Ransomware groups operate like mature businesses, using a layered model: initial access brokers gain entry to the network, affiliates escalate privileges and exfiltrate data, and RaaS (Ransomware-as-a-Service) operators deploy the encryption.
RaaS (Ransomware as a Service) Business Model
The RaaS model allows central groups to expand their reach without having to execute each attack directly — affiliates "rent" the tools, carry out the attacks, and share the profits with the ransomware developers. Inforchannel
This is how it works in practice:
-
The developer creates and maintains the malware (receives ~20–30% of the ransom).
-
The affiliate executes the attack (keeps ~70–80%).
-
Initial Access Broker sells initial access to the victim's network for a fixed price.
In February 2025, a broker posted on a hacker forum access to an organization without revealing its name, only providing sufficient description for identification. 18 days later, the Play group published the victim on its extortion website—demonstrating the cybercrime supply chain operating with surgical precision. Source: InfoChannel
Anatomy of a ransomware attack
-
Data encryption and servers
-
Interruption in the availability of critical services and processes – Billing, for example.
-
Costs of incident response and environmental recovery efforts.
-
Double and triple extortion strategy employed by the attackers.
-
Data breach – personal data, intellectual property, financial data
-
Pressure on the company's clients to pay ransom.
-
Impact on the company's image and reputation.
-
Regulatory impact – FFEIC, SEC, HIPAA, CMMC, GDPR, EU regulations and other industry regulations.
-
Notification deadlines in accordance with industry regulations.
-
Possible fines and potential lawsuits related to data breaches and service interruptions.
-
Network dwell time and backup attacks
-
Several cases of reinfection after restoring from backup.
Onde estamos
Rua Sacadura Cabral 120 - sala 705
Saúde - Rio de Janeiro / RJ - Brasil
+55 21 3512-4074
Sarasota / FL - United States
+1 941 592-7207
