Incident Response Playbook: Ransomware

Ransomware represents one of the most disruptive cyber threats organizations face. Effective response requires preparation, clear procedures, and coordinated execution. This playbook provides detailed ransomware incident response procedures covering detection, containment, eradication, recovery, and post-incident activities.

Detection and Initial Assessment

Ransomware detection may come from endpoint alerts, user reports, or security monitoring systems. Upon detection, immediately assess the scope and impact. Determine affected systems, data types, and business processes. Activate incident response team and establish command structure.

Identify affected systems and data
Assess business impact
Activate incident response team
Establish incident command
Document all actions taken

Containment Strategy

Rapid containment limits ransomware spread. Isolate affected systems from the network immediately. Disable network connections, VPN access, and wireless connectivity. Do not power off systems as volatile memory may contain evidence. Implement network segmentation to protect critical assets.

Isolate infected systems immediately
Disable network and VPN access
Keep systems powered on
Activate network segmentation
Block lateral movement paths

Eradication and Forensics

Before recovery, ensure complete ransomware removal. Engage forensic specialists to identify infection vectors, collect evidence, and verify eradication. Analyze attacker activities, identify compromised credentials, and determine persistence mechanisms.

Preserve forensic evidence
Identify infection vector
Locate attacker persistence
Identify compromised credentials
Document attacker activities

Recovery Operations

Recovery begins only after complete eradication verification. Restore from clean backups, rebuild compromised systems, reset all credentials, and gradually bring systems online. Implement enhanced monitoring during recovery to detect any recurring infection.

Verify backup integrity
Restore from clean backups
Rebuild compromised systems
Reset all credentials
Enhanced monitoring during recovery

Communication Management

Effective communication is critical during ransomware incidents. Notify stakeholders according to communication plan, coordinate with legal counsel, engage law enforcement, manage media inquiries, and fulfill regulatory reporting obligations.

Internal stakeholder notification
Executive and board updates
Customer communication
Regulatory reporting
Law enforcement engagement

Post-Incident Activities

Conduct thorough post-incident review to identify improvements. Document lessons learned, update incident response procedures, implement additional controls, and conduct tabletop exercises. Verify insurance claims if applicable.

Conclusion

Ransomware incidents demand rapid, coordinated response. Organizations with documented playbooks, trained teams, and regular exercises respond more effectively. Prevention remains preferable to response—maintain current backups, implement robust security controls, and conduct regular security assessments to reduce ransomware risk.