Ransomware Detection with NDR Solutions

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July 21,2025 • 2 min read

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Ransomware Detection with NDR Solutions

Ransomware Detection with NDR Solutions

Detecting ransomware with Network Detection and Response (NDR) is one of the most impactful applications of modern network security. NDR provides early warning signs, behavioral detection, and automated containment—key to stopping ransomware before encryption occurs.

Here's a focused, practical guide on Ransomware Detection with NDR (Network Detection and Response) Solutions, covering how NDR helps identify ransomware across the kill chain, with examples and response use cases.

Why NDR is Critical for Ransomware Defense

Traditional defenses like firewalls, antivirus, and even EDR tools often miss the early stages of ransomware—especially when attackers move laterally or use living-off-the-land (LotL) tactics.

NDR solutions detects ransomware by analyzing network behaviors, not just signatures or endpoints.

How NDR Detects Ransomware Across the Attack Chain

Kill Chain Phase Ransomware Activity Example How NDR Detects It
Initial Access Phishing or exploitation opens backdoor Unusual inbound connection to high-risk port
Command & Control Beaconing to remote server (C2) Repetitive, low-traffic beacons, DNS tunneling
Lateral Movement Spreads via SMB, RDP, PsExec Unusual internal connections, privilege escalation
Credential Abuse Dumping SAM database or Kerberos abuse NTLM traffic spikes, abnormal AD queries
Data Staging Zipping or copying files across network Large-volume file transfers, unusual SMB usage

Specific NDR Techniques for Ransomware Detection

  1. Behavioral Anomaly Detection

    • Learns what “normal” traffic looks like for each user/device

    • Flags deviations like sudden SMB spikes or abnormal RDP sessions

  2. Encrypted Traffic Analysis (ETA)

    • Detects suspicious patterns in TLS traffic without decryption

    • Uses JA3 fingerprinting to identify malware families

  3. Lateral Movement Detection

    • Alerts on unexpected peer-to-peer connections within the network

    • Highlights unusual privilege access or internal scans

Real-World Response Example (with SOAR/XDR Integration)

NDR detects unusual SMB write patterns from a single workstation at 3:00 a.m.
Correlated with:

  • External beacon to known C2 IP

  • Lateral RDP connections

  • Spike in zipped file transfers

Automated Response:

  • SOAR quarantines the source endpoint

  • NDR platorms isolates affected VLAN

  • Alert sent to SIEM and IR team with full packet details

Ransomware moves fast. NDR helps you move faster—with:

  • Deep detection

  • Smart triage

  • Swift, automated response

Tags: #ndr #ndr solutions #ndr platforms #network detection and response

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