ransomwareasaservice
Ransomware as a service (RaaS) is a business model in which ransomware developers provide ready-made malware and supporting infrastructure to affiliates who carry out distribution, infection, and ransom negotiations. The developers supply the payload, control panel, encryption keys management, and often a ransom-note and data-leak site. Affiliates, who might handle phishing emails, exploit kits, or compromised networks, gain access and deploy the ransomware under the terms of a revenue-sharing arrangement. This model lowers the technical barrier to entry, enabling criminals with limited coding experience to participate and scale campaigns.
Operation typically involves access brokers or compromised networks providing initial access; affiliates deploy the ransomware, and
Economic model: developers retain a portion of ransoms collected and provide updates, while affiliates receive the
Impact and defenses: RaaS has contributed to a surge in ransomware incidents, including high-profile campaigns. Defenses
Notable examples: groups such as REvil, Conti, and DarkSide have operated RaaS-style programs, though operational statuses