Double Extortion Ransomware: Why Backups Alone Won’t Save You Anymore
Ransomware has evolved. It’s no longer just about locking up your data—it’s also about stealing it. Known as double extortion, this tactic means cybercriminals now encrypt your files and threaten to leak sensitive information unless a ransom is paid. For many businesses, that’s a threat backups can’t resolve.
What Is Double Extortion?
In a double extortion attack, hackers first encrypt your data, then exfiltrate it. Even if you can restore operations from a backup, the fear of exposing customer records or financials can be enough to force payment.
In a double extortion attack, hackers first encrypt your data, then exfiltrate it. Even if you can restore operations from a backup, the fear of exposing customer records or financials can be enough to force payment.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just a big business problem—SMBs are prime targets due to limited cybersecurity resources. Relying on backups alone no longer protects your reputation, customer trust, or legal standing.
This isn’t just a big business problem—SMBs are prime targets due to limited cybersecurity resources. Relying on backups alone no longer protects your reputation, customer trust, or legal standing.
How to Stay Ahead
- Use DLP tools to block data exfiltration.
- Adopt zero trust to limit access and movement.
- Monitor for unusual outbound traffic.
- Encrypt data at rest to reduce exposure if stolen.
- Have a response plan ready—including legal and PR steps.
Bottom line, backups help you recover. But in a double extortion world, protection and prevention are now just as critical.
