Encryption viruses have become infamous for their speed, turning a user’s device into a locked or unusable state in a blink. In a recent interview, Kaspersky Lab’s lead security expert, Sergey Golovanov, highlighted how a ransomware operation can wrap up the entire attack in under thirty minutes. The message from that discussion, reported by Newspaper.Ru, underscores a chilling reality: the clock starts ticking as soon as an attacker gains entry, and the real work happens in those initial minutes rather than during the actual encryption process.
Golovanov notes that a ransomware incident often unfolds in surprisingly short windows, with the crucial phase taking roughly 25 minutes from initial breach to the moment when disk encryption begins. He stresses that most of the attacker’s time is spent penetrating the target network, mapping out systems, and locating valuable data. Only after this reconnaissance does the ransomware trigger and begin the encryption spree that holds victims hostage to a ransom demand.
Illustrative anecdotes from security researchers describe an attacker who silently infiltrates a foreign company’s network, surveys the environment, steps away for a break, and returns to a ready-to-fire system. With a single keystroke, encryption of all disks can commence, effectively paralyzing operations. This sequence is what makes the early minutes so critical for incident responders who aim to halt the process before data is encrypted beyond recovery.
Golovanov explains that the 25-minute benchmark represents the period from the first intrusion to the onset of encryption, and its purpose is clear: to coerce payment in exchange for decryption tools. The timeline emphasizes the need for rapid containment, robust backups, and layered defenses that can disrupt the attacker before encryption can begin in earnest.
Beyond the standard rapid breach, the expert points to other attack patterns that involve longer, staged incursions. In these cases, attackers deploy what researchers call bookmarks or footholds within a network, maintaining access over extended periods. In some scenarios, custom malicious code is designed to lie dormant or “sleep” until the operator triggers it, requiring the attacker to extend the sleep window to ensure a successful encryption later. That strategy illustrates how threats can adapt, combining patience with aggressive action when the moment is right.
For readers interested in the broader landscape, there is ongoing discussion about the range of malware behaviors, from fast, opportunistic seizures of control to painstaking, long-term covert access that quietly grows until the moment of impact. Security researchers frequently document cases, sharing insights about how attackers think and where defenses can be strengthened—from endpoint protection and network segmentation to rapid detection and reliable backups. These analyses help organizations prepare, respond, and recover more effectively after an incident.
Background information and case studies from recent investigations discuss a spectrum of ransomware operations, including instances tied to regional infrastructure and corporate targets. While these details vary, the core lesson remains consistent: resilience comes from speed, visibility, and a well-practiced response plan. Experts advocate continuous monitoring, frequent training for staff, and rehearsed playbooks that guide teams through containment, eradication, and restoration phases. The field continues to evolve as new attacker techniques emerge and defenders adapt with smarter tooling and better information sharing.
As the cybersecurity conversation broadens, it highlights the importance of early warning signals, proactive threat intelligence, and the necessity of maintaining resilient backups that are isolated from routine networks. Organizations are encouraged to implement layered security measures, perform regular tabletop exercises, and stay informed about the latest attack patterns. The goal is not only to prevent encryption but to minimize downtime and safeguard essential data through every phase of an incident. The discussion referenced here is part of ongoing reporting on how attackers operate and what defenders can do to stay one step ahead, with illustrative examples and expert commentary to aid understanding. This material is drawn from reported interviews and security analyses, summarized for readers seeking practical, actionable guidance.
In sum, ransomware incidents can unfold in a surprisingly short window, with the critical time often spent on entry and mapping rather than the encryption itself. By recognizing the typical timelines and employing strong preventive measures, organizations can limit impact and accelerate recovery when an attack occurs. The broader topic continues to attract attention as researchers document patterns, share lessons, and explore new defensive strategies to counter this persistent threat. The discussion presented here reflects those evolving insights and remains a resource for awareness and preparedness.
— Attribution: insights summarized from a security interview with industry researchers and collective reporting on ransomware timelines and attacker techniques.
Previously reported on the rise of targeted attacks against regional enterprises, with discussions noting the human and technical factors that influence incident outcomes.