Ransomware has evolved from a nuisanceware tactic to a sophisticated cyber-weapon capable of paralyzing multinational corporations, healthcare systems, and government infrastructures. As the most widely deployed operating system in enterprise environments, Microsoft Windows remains the primary target for ransomware actors such as LockBit, BlackCat (ALPHV), and Ryuk. While traditional antivirus solutions offer baseline security, the dynamic nature of modern ransomware—featuring fileless execution, living-off-the-land binaries (LOLBins), and double extortion—demands a multi-layered approach. This essay outlines the mechanisms of Windows-specific ransomware detection and proposes a robust protection framework combining native Windows tools, behavioral analysis, and Zero Trust principles.
Windows Ransomware Detection and Protection: Strategies for a Modern Threat Landscape windows ransomware detection and protection pdf