Ransomware attacks are a constant and costly threat to organizations everywhere. These malicious campaigns can cause significant financial damage and disrupt operations. Industry data shows that ransomware incidents account for 21% of all cyberattacks, with the average breach costing over $5 million. Industries like healthcare, education, manufacturing, retail, and government agencies are often targeted by these devastating attacks. While Google Workspace documents and ChromeOS have built-in ransomware resistance, common files like PDFs and Microsoft Office documents are still vulnerable on Windows and macOS systems.
Google’s new defense strategy goes beyond traditional antivirus software that only blocks malicious code. This system provides an additional layer of protection that activates after ransomware has already infiltrated a computer. It’s designed to stop the attack’s main goal: corrupting data. The AI-powered system identifies the telltale signs of a ransomware attack, such as the mass encryption or corruption of files.
When this suspicious activity is detected, the system immediately pauses cloud synchronization. This creates a “protective bubble” around the user’s files, preventing the ransomware from spreading and corrupting critical business data. This AI-driven technology uses predictive analysis, real-time data, and anomaly detection to act fast.
The Drive for desktop application, available on both Windows and macOS, now includes a specialized AI model trained on millions of real-world ransomware samples. This advanced detection engine constantly analyzes file modifications, looking for signs of malicious encryption. Thanks to continuous updates from threat intelligence sources like VirusTotal, it can adapt to and identify new and emerging ransomware variants.
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