How human risk leads to ransomware attacks

Ransomware is a type of malware that demands monetary payment in exchange for restoring access to the system or data. These attacks have emerged as a pressing concern for organizations worldwide. While many assume the main vulnerabilities lie in advanced technical exploits, the truth is far more unsettling. Most ransomware attacks are not the result of sophisticated hacks but rather human risk. Studies reveal that human mistakes account for 82% of data breaches, and ransomware is no exception. 

Understanding the role of human risk in ransomware attacks is essential for businesses aiming to bolster their cybersecurity defenses. Read about the common human risk factors that lead to ransomware incidents, plus effective strategies to mitigate these risks.

How does human risk enable ransomware attacks?

Several recent ransomware attacks on UK retailers demonstrate that human risk is a primary factor in cybersecurity breaches, such as the recent incidents involving Marks & Spencer (M&S), Harrods, and Co-op. While technical vulnerabilities contribute to the problem, the underlying factor often remains human behavior, whether through compromised credentials or exploited helpdesk protocols. 

The State of Human Risk 2025 report research sought to discover organizations’ approach to cybersecurity, particularly in relation to human-related security risks, including:

• The use of collaboration tools and the associated cybersecurity implications for an organization
• How budgets are currently impacting cybersecurity and Human Risk Management
• The impact of AI on cybersecurity, both as a threat and solution

In fact, one of 2024’s most prominent breaches, the Change Healthcare cyberattack, was attributed to human risk. A low-level employee’s credentials were compromised through a phishing email, allowing the attackers to gain access to the network without multifactor authentication, enabling them to exfiltrate sensitive data and deploy ransomware. The cost of its response to this breach is estimated to be between $2.3 and $2.45 billion dollars.

Here are the primary ways mistakes occur, exposing companies to ransomware:

1. Falling for phishing emails. One of the most common entry points for ransomware is phishing emails. Cybercriminals send seemingly legitimate emails to employees, tricking them into clicking malicious links or downloading infected attachments. A single click can provide attackers with access to corporate systems.

2. Weak or reused passwords. Passwords serve as the frontline defense against unauthorized access. However, many employees still use weak, predictable, or reused passwords across multiple accounts. This makes it easier for attackers to gain entry through brute force attacks or credential stuffing.

3. Failure to update software. Outdated software is a goldmine for ransomware attackers. Often, vulnerabilities in operating systems, applications, or security tools are patched through updates. When employees delay or neglect software updates, they leave the door wide open for exploits. 

4. Downloading and executing malware: Employees who download and execute files from untrusted sources or malicious websites can inadvertently install ransomware.

5. Lack of social engineering awareness. Beyond phishing emails, social engineering tactics include phone scams, fake websites, or impersonation attempts. Lack of employee awareness about these schemes can lead to inadvertent information sharing or system compromise.

Quantifying risky employee behavior and targeted interventions

One of the most effective ways to mitigate human risk in ransomware attacks is to quantify which employees are exhibiting risky behaviors that could lead to a breach. Not all employees pose the same level of risk, and understanding where vulnerabilities are most likely to arise allows organizations to focus their efforts where they are needed most.

By leveraging tools such as behavioral analytics, phishing simulation results, and access monitoring, organizations can identify employees who are more prone to risky actions, such as falling for phishing attempts, using weak passwords, or mishandling sensitive data. 

For example, employees who repeatedly fail phishing simulations or have risky web browsing habits may indicate a higher likelihood of being targeted successfully by attackers. Once these high-risk individuals or groups are identified, organizations can apply targeted interventions to address their specific vulnerabilities. These interventions might include:

• Enhanced training programs tailored to address the specific behaviors or knowledge gaps of high-risk employees.
• Increased monitoring and access restrictions for employees who handle sensitive data or systems.
• Personalized coaching sessions to help employees better understand their role in maintaining cybersecurity.
• Adaptive security measures, such as requiring additional authentication steps for employees flagged as higher risk.

This targeted approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, focusing on the areas where they will have the greatest impact. It also helps reduce the overall risk of ransomware attacks by addressing the root causes of human error in a strategic and measurable way.

Recommended programs, processes, and policies to protect against ransomware

In addition to identifying and addressing risky employee behavior, security teams should implement robust programs, processes, and policies to protect their organizations from ransomware. These include:

1. Regular software updates and patch management
   Keeping software up to date is one of the most critical steps in preventing ransomware attacks. Outdated software often contains vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. To address this:
   1. Automate software updates wherever possible to ensure that all systems remain current without relying on manual intervention.
   2. Use endpoint protection tools to enforce updates across all corporate devices, ensuring no system is left unpatched.
   3. Educate employees on the importance of updates and how they protect against ransomware  
2. Standardized incident response plans
   Even with strong preventive measures, incidents can still occur. A well-documented and tested incident response plan is essential to minimize damage and downtime. This plan should:
   1. Outline steps to isolate infected systems to prevent the spread of ransomware.
   2. Include procedures for notifying internal teams and external stakeholders, such as customers or regulatory bodies.
   3. Address data recovery through backups, ensuring that critical data can be restored quickly and securely.
      Having a robust response strategy can significantly reduce the financial and operational impact of a ransomware attack.
3. Use AI-based threat detection
   AI-driven tools can play a crucial role in identifying and mitigating ransomware threats. These tools can:
   1. Detect unusual behavior that may indicate a compromised account or system.
   2. Provide early alerts about phishing attempts or other malicious activities.
   3. Monitor devices and networks for signs of compromise, such as unauthorized access or data exfiltration.
      By leveraging AI-based threat detection systems, organizations can identify risks that might otherwise go unnoticed and respond proactively.
4. Access control and privilege management
   Limit access to sensitive data and systems based on employees' roles and responsibilities. Regularly audit access controls to ensure that:
   1. Employees only have access to the resources they need to perform their jobs.
   2. Privileges are revoked promptly when no longer required.
       

By combining these proactive measures with targeted interventions for high-risk employees, organizations can significantly reduce their exposure to ransomware attacks. Don’t wait for a ransomware attack to strike before acting — empower your workforce today with the knowledge, tools, and policies they need to stay secure. Your business’s future depends on it.

How Mimecast can help 

One of the best ways to prevent ransomware attacks in your organization is to ensure that everyone has a basic level of security awareness training that can help them identify suspicious email attachments and links. You also need a sophisticated security solution that provides multiple tools to detect and block ransomware before it can harm your organization. You additionally need to be able to back up and recover data quickly in the event of a ransomware attack. 

Mimecast offers a multi-layered approach to detect ransomware and prevent it from blocking access to email or data. This includes automatically detecting and isolating potential threats, such as suspicious links or email attachments. This also includes empowering employees in your organization to recognize potential threats themselves and comply with basic cybersecurity protocols like setting strong passwords. Learn more about how human risk enables ransomware attacks.