Using Software-Defined Networking for Ransomware Mitigation: The Case of CryptoWall

TLDR

Ransomware increasingly threatens users by encrypting data that can only be recovered after payment. The study demonstrates how Software‑Defined Networking can enhance ransomware mitigation. The authors analyze CryptoWall’s behavior, propose two real‑time mitigation methods, and design an OpenFlow‑based SDN system to enable timely response. Experiments show the approach is feasible, efficient, and imposes minimal impact on network performance.

Abstract

Currently, different forms of ransomware are increasingly threatening Internet users. Modern ransomware encrypts important user data and it is only possible to recover it once a ransom has been paid. In this paper we show how Software-Defined Networking (SDN) can be utilized to improve ransomware mitigation. In more detail, we analyze the behavior of popular ransomware - CryptoWall - and, based on this knowledge, we propose two real-time mitigation methods. Then we designed the SDN-based system, implemented using OpenFlow, which facilitates a timely reaction to this threat, and is a crucial factor in the case of crypto ransomware. What is important is that such a design does not significantly affect overall network performance. Experimental results confirm that the proposed approach is feasible and efficient.