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[Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/ransomware/ "Ransomware") [Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/ransomware/) # Breaking Down Ransomware Attacks ![Clock Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-clock.svg) 6 min read Related Products [![Advanced URL Filtering icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Advanced URL Filtering](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/advanced-url-filtering/ "Advanced URL Filtering")[![Advanced WildFire icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Advanced WildFire](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/advanced-wildfire/ "Advanced WildFire")[![Cortex XDR icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cortex_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Cortex 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Assessment](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/ransomware-readiness-assessment/ "Unit 42 Ransomware Readiness Assessment") * ![Profile Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-profile-grey.svg) By: * [Jeremy Brown](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/jeremy-brown/) * [Ashlie Blanca](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/ashlie-blanca/) * ![Published Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-calendar-grey.svg) Published:May 21, 2021 * ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-category.svg) Categories: * [Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/ransomware/) * [Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) * [![Download 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We've seen extortion demands rise dramatically over the past few years. They're now regularly priced in the millions -- and sometimes even tens of millions -- of dollars. But the costs reach far beyond the extortion demands themselves. Fallout can include operational downtime, brand damage, data discovery fees, litigation and impact on data privacy. We're increasingly seeing cases where ransomware attacks cripple victim organizations with impact that affects their employees, customers and even commodity prices. With so much at stake, it's critical that organizations prepare themselves to reduce the risk of falling victim to a ransomware attack and minimize the impact if cyber extortionists do succeed in compromising their networks. This blog explains what ransomware is and how attacks play out. Most importantly, it provides practical tips on how organizations can prevent these attacks, citing the lessons that our Unit 42 consultants have learned working hundreds of ransomware cases involving government agencies and businesses of all sizes in every industry. It concludes with 12 tips for fighting ransomware. ## The Definition of Ransomware Ransomware is a type of malware used by cybercriminals for financial gain. It takes over the victim's files or systems, and the attacker **demands a ransom be paid in exchange for a decryption key,** which presumably will return the files to their original state. Since the end of 2019, the definition of ransomware has extended to also include data extortion, as threat actors have begun to exfiltrate data during a ransomware attack to blackmail victims into paying the ransom to avoid having their information posted on leak sites or put up for sale. This is commonly referred to as "double-extortion." Also, we're increasingly seeing attackers leverage a third approach to pressure victims into paying: launching DDoS attacks that shut down public websites. #### The Numbers Behind Ransomware Attacks The potential costs of a ransomware attack are too high to ignore: * The **average ransom paid in 2020** was more than **$312,000,** a 171% increase from 2019, According to the [2021 Unit 42 Ransomware Threat Report.](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-ransomware-threat-report) * So far this year, it's nearly tripled to about $850,000. For a large enterprise, the average is nearly **$3 million**. * The **highest ransom** paid by an organization doubled from 2019 to 2020, from **$5 million to $10 million.** * **T** he **highest ransom demand** last year doubled, from **$15 million to $30 million.** This year we've seen it as high as $50 million. * **Downtime associated with a ransomware attack averaged 16 days** in Q2 of 2020. To hear more about the financial impact of ransomware, check out this video. ## How a Ransomware Attack Works The most common type of ransomware circulating today is malware that scrambles the contents of files. It typically uses very strong -- sometimes virtually uncrackable -- encryption protocols that prevent the owner from accessing the files. The perpetrators demand a ransom in exchange for return of the files. Since the end of 2019, we have also observed an increasing trend where attackers behind [ransomware variants](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ransomware-threat-assessments/) such as [Maze](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-brief-maze-ransomware-activities/) and LockBit exfiltrate data from the victim during the attack and post stolen data publicly to shame victims into paying their ransom. This places an even greater burden on the victim, as the exposed data could contain sensitive information, escalating costs and brand exposure. Ransom requests are often presented in the form of a pop-up screen, which includes the ransom amount demanded, a desired payment method and a deadline. These days, **criminals tend to favor cryptocurrency** as a form of payment and will often request specific types (usually Bitcoin, but sometimes Dash or Monero). ![The NetWalker ransom note is an example of one used in recent ransomware attacks.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/word-image-73.png) Figure 1. A screenshot of a NetWalker ransom note (source: Any.Run). The attackers promise that the file or system will be returned to normal -- once the ransom is paid. Usually, the attacker will send a decryption key that the victim can use to reverse the encryption applied to the files. In the cases where data exfiltration takes place, the attacker may also agree to not post any additional stolen data and may sometimes promise to show evidence it has been destroyed. However, even if you pay the ransom, **there's no guarantee that the cybercriminal will follow through** on their end of the bargain. Even if your files are restored to their original state, it's possible that the perpetrator will maintain a copy of the stolen data and could potentially sell it on the dark web or use it against you in future attacks. We have observed attackers sending non-functioning or only partially functioning decryption keys. In some cases, we have even seen them send keys that contain additional malicious files or backdoors to give threat actors access to the environment in the future, which is why we are always careful to reverse engineer any key to ensure it is safe for our clients. ## How Ransomware Infects Networks A ransomware attack consists of two main steps. Initially, the malware has to find its way onto a device. Then comes the encryption stage: The ransomware must find and encrypt files and communicate the ransom terms to the victim. Some types of ransomware don't stop there and can spread from device to device, affecting all computers in a network. So how does the ransomware find its way into a network in the first place? These are the three main methods our incident responders have observed in the hundreds of cases we've worked over the past year: * **Email links or attachments:** The user is sent a phishing email with a malicious link or attachment, which leads to the downloading of the ransomware. File extensions to watch out for are *.exe* and *.zip* as these are commonly used to distribute ransomware. * **Remote Desk Protocol (RDP) attacks:** Use of this method is growing, given its ease of use and the high level of access it gives to attackers. Cybercriminals exploit publicly available or weak credentials and brute-force via the RDP protocol to gain access to a victim's environment before remotely deploying and executing the ransomware. The ransomware gang **CrySIS/** [**Dharma**](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ransomware-threat-assessments/6/) is known to push ransomware via RDP attacks. * **Virtual Private Network (VPN) attacks**: Cybercriminals identify and exploit unsecured and unpatched remote access VPN servers to gain access to a network, then distribute malware. For example, the threat actors responsible for the ransomware variant Sodinokibi have been known to leverage this trend. Once on a device, ransomware typically searches for specific types of files to encrypt. It might also encrypt shadow files, backups and filenames, making recovery more difficult. Want to learn more? Here's a quick video on techniques we've observed in ransomware attacks. ## 12 Tips for Fighting Ransomware Attacks 1. **Keep your software up to date** with the latest version as updates often patch security vulnerabilities. This includes patching VPN servers and upgrading from Server Message Block Version 1 (SMBv1) to limit adversaries from using the file sharing protocol to move laterally within the systems. 2. **Maintain regular backups** of your files and systems and ensure the backups are stored off network. By doing this, threat actors cannot gain access to disable or delete backups to prevent recovery. 3. **Conduct comprehensive, rigorous end user training**on standard and advanced phishing and social engineering techniques. It is important to tailor the education to fit your organization and employee roles. 4. **Leverage log aggregation systems** to increase log retention, integrity and availability. 5. **Understand where sensitive data lives** and implement strong access controls to protect that data. Monitor and audit access regularly. 6. **Invest in a trusted endpoint detection and response platform** to help with ransomware detection, and **employ the use of firewalls** to block malicious traffic. 7. **Implement strict policies surrounding the use of employee-owned devices** for work-related activities and **limit user privileges** whenever possible. 8. \*\*Integrate multi-factor authentication (MFA)\*\*for all remote access, internet accessible and business email accounts. 9. **Disable any direct external RDP access**and ensure all external remote administration is conducted through an enterprise-grade MFA VPN. 10. Adopt account administration best practices across the organization, including requiring unique and complex passwords that are **at least 15 characters in length** so they cannot be easily brute forced. 11. **Limit the use of privileged accounts**, and do not reuse local administrator account passwords to prevent initial access by attackers, privilege escalation and lateral movement across the network. 12. **Create and maintain an asset inventory.** For more tips, check out this video on lessons learned. ## Conclusion Ransomware continues to be a pervasive and dangerous threat to organizations. With the total cost of a ransomware attack continuing to rise, organizations should embrace best practices to protect themselves and arm themselves with a strong understanding of the ransomware threat landscape. Organizations should also make sure to have an incident response plan in place in case of an attack. Unit 42 offers a [Ransomware Readiness Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/ransomware-readiness-assessment) to help organizations get started on bolstering defenses. Palo Alto Networks customers are protected from many ransomware threats by: * [WildFire](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/products/secure-the-network/wildfire): All known samples are identified as malware. * [Cortex XDR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdr) with: * Indicators for known ransomware. * Anti-Ransomware Module. * Local Analysis detection. * Cortex XSOAR: Cortex XSOAR's [**ransomware content pack**](https://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/security-operations/cortex-xsoar-for-automated-ransomware-response/) can immediately help incident response, threat intelligence and SecOps teams to standardize and speed-up post-intrusion response processes. This content pack automates most of the ransomware response steps, allowing the incident response and SecOps teams to add their guidance and input. * [Next-Generation Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/next-generation-firewall): DNS Signatures detect known command and control (C2) domains, which are also categorized as malware in [URL Filtering](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/products/threat-detection-and-prevention/web-security). * [AutoFocus](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/autofocus): Tracking related activity using relevant tags. [*Learn more about ransomware*](https://www.crypsisgroup.com/services/ransomware-attack)*and see the steps your business should initiate immediately if you find yourself under attack.* Back to top [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") [Next: BazarCall Method: Call Centers Help Spread BazarLoader Malware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/bazarloader-malware/ "BazarCall Method: Call Centers Help Spread BazarLoader Malware") ### Table of Contents * ## Related Ransomware Resources ![Pictorial representation of Iran cyber attacks. Close-up of a person wearing glasses, with computer code reflected in the lenses.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/12_Security-Technology_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/top-threats.svg)High Profile Threats](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/top-cyberthreats/) April 17, 2026 [#### Threat Brief: Escalation of Cyber Risk Related to Iran (Updated April 17)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/iranian-cyberattacks-2026/) * [APK](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/apk/ "APK") * [DDoS attacks](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ddos-attacks/ "DDoS attacks") * [GenAI](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/genai/ "GenAI") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/iranian-cyberattacks-2026/ "Threat Brief: Escalation of Cyber Risk Related to Iran (Updated April 17)") ![Pictorial representation of RaaS RansomHouse. Digital representation of cybersecurity concept with a padlock superimposed over computer circuit boards, symbolizing data protection and encryption technologies.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/06_Ransomware_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) December 17, 2025 [#### From Linear to Complex: An Upgrade in RansomHouse Encryption](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ransomhouse-encryption-upgrade/) * [ESXi](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/esxi/ "ESXi") * [Jolly Scorpius](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/jolly-scorpius/ "Jolly Scorpius") * [RansomHouse](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ransomhouse/ "RansomHouse") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ransomhouse-encryption-upgrade/ "From Linear to Complex: An Upgrade in RansomHouse Encryption") ![Pictorial representation of 01flip ransomware written in Rust. Digital artwork of a pixelated U.S. dollar bill disintegrating into small blocks against a blue data matrix background.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/05_Ransomware_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) December 10, 2025 [#### 01flip: Multi-Platform Ransomware Written in Rust](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/new-ransomware-01flip-written-in-rust/) * [Bitcoin](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bitcoin/ "Bitcoin") * [CL-CRI-103](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cl-cri-103/ "CL-CRI-103") * [Cryptocurrency](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cryptocurrency/ "Cryptocurrency") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/new-ransomware-01flip-written-in-rust/ "01flip: Multi-Platform Ransomware Written in Rust") ![Pictorial representation of malicious LLMs. Close-up view of a digital wall displaying various glowing icons, representing a high-tech network interface.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AdobeStock_1270203474-786x440.jpeg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) November 25, 2025 [#### The Dual-Use Dilemma of AI: Malicious LLMs](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/dilemma-of-ai-malicious-llms/) * [Credential Harvesting](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/credential-harvesting/ "Credential Harvesting") * [Data exfiltration](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/data-exfiltration/ "data exfiltration") * [LLM](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/llm/ "LLM") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/dilemma-of-ai-malicious-llms/ "The Dual-Use Dilemma of AI: Malicious LLMs") ![Constellation image representing the constellation schema used by Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 to track nation-state and cybercrime threat actor groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Generic-B-1920x900-1-786x368.png) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/threat-actor-groups.svg)Threat Actor Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-actor-groups/) August 1, 2025 [#### Threat Actor Groups Tracked by Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 (Updated Aug. 1, 2025)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-actor-groups-tracked-by-palo-alto-networks-unit-42/) * [Academic Serpens](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/academic-serpens/ "Academic Serpens") * [Agent Serpens](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/agent-serpens/ "Agent Serpens") * [Agonizing Serpens](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/agonizing-serpens/ "Agonizing Serpens") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-actor-groups-tracked-by-palo-alto-networks-unit-42/ "Threat Actor Groups Tracked by Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 (Updated Aug. 1, 2025)") ![Pictorial representation of Unit 42 threat attribution system. Illustration featuring a white triangle centered within an abstract cosmic background of purple and blue swirls and stars.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Generic-A-1920x900-1-786x368.png) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/threat-actor-groups.svg)Threat Actor Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-actor-groups/) July 31, 2025 [#### Introducing Unit 42's Attribution Framework](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-attribution-framework/) * [Advanced Persistent Threat](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/advanced-persistent-threat/ "Advanced Persistent Threat") * [Bookworm](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bookworm/ "Bookworm") * [Nomenclature](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/nomenclature/ "nomenclature") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-attribution-framework/ "Introducing Unit 42’s Attribution Framework") ![Pictorial representation of the ransomware landscape. Digital artwork of a disintegrating U.S. dollar bill with pixelated effects on a cyber-inspired background.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/05_Ransomware_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-report-white-1.svg)Trend Reports](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/trend-reports/) April 23, 2025 [#### Extortion and Ransomware Trends January-March 2025](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/2025-ransomware-extortion-trends/) * [BianLian](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bianlian/ "BianLian") * [Akira ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/akira-ransomware/ "Akira ransomware") * [Muddled Libra](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/muddled-libra/ "Muddled Libra") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/2025-ransomware-extortion-trends/ "Extortion and Ransomware Trends January-March 2025") ![A pictorial representation of Akira ransomware, distributed by Howling Scorpius. A person's hand typing on a keyboard with a digital screen displaying the word "password" highlighted in blue, set against a backdrop of various cybersecurity interface graphics.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/09_Cybercrime_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/top-threats.svg)High Profile Threats](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/top-cyberthreats/) December 2, 2024 [#### Threat Assessment: Howling Scorpius (Akira Ransomware)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-howling-scorpius-akira-ransomware/) * [Howling Scorpius](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/howling-scorpius/ "Howling Scorpius") * [Leak site](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/leak-site/ "Leak site") * [Torrenting](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/torrenting/ "torrenting") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-howling-scorpius-akira-ransomware/ "Threat Assessment: Howling Scorpius (Akira Ransomware)") ![Pictorial representation of a threat like BlackSuit ransomware. An illustration of a modern workspace with a laptop displaying cybersecurity icons, surrounded by stacks of coins and a credit card, all depicted in a neon, digital art style.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/04_Ransomware_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/top-threats.svg)High Profile Threats](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/top-cyberthreats/) November 20, 2024 [#### Threat Assessment: Ignoble Scorpius, Distributors of BlackSuit Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-blacksuit-ransomware-ignoble-scorpius/) * [BlackSuit ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/blacksuit-ransomware/ "BlackSuit ransomware") * [Construction](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/construction/ "construction") * [Education](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/education/ "Education") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-blacksuit-ransomware-ignoble-scorpius/ "Threat Assessment: Ignoble Scorpius, Distributors of BlackSuit Ransomware") ![A representation of a threat group like Jumpy Pisces. Illustrative image featuring two fish and the Pisces constellation superimposed on a stylized, abstract background with flowing purple waves and a starry night sky.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Pisces-NK-A-1920x900-1-786x368.png) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/threat-actor-groups.svg)Threat Actor Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-actor-groups/) October 30, 2024 [#### Jumpy Pisces Engages in Play Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/north-korean-threat-group-play-ransomware/) * [North Korea](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/north-korea/ "North Korea") * [Jumpy Pisces](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/jumpy-pisces/ "Jumpy Pisces") * [Fiddling Scorpius](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/fiddling-scorpius/ "Fiddling Scorpius") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/north-korean-threat-group-play-ransomware/ "Jumpy Pisces Engages in Play Ransomware") * ![Slider arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/slider-arrow-left.svg) * ![Slider arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/slider-arrow-left.svg) ![Close button](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/close-modal.svg) ![Enlarged Image]() ![Newsletter](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/unit42-footer-subscribe-desktop.png) ![UNIT 42 Small Logo](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/palo-alto-logo-small.svg) Get updates from Unit 42 ## Peace of mind comes from staying ahead of threats. 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