Surviving a SQL Database Ransomware Attack: SQL DBA Strategies
Ransomware attacks don’t ask permission, and they don’t wait for your team to be ready. When encryption hits your SQL Server environment, the difference between rapid recovery and catastrophic data loss comes down to preparation. Most organizations discover their backup strategy’s weaknesses only after an attack—when it’s too late.
This presentation, given at PASS Data Community Summit 2025, equips SQL data engineers with battle-tested strategies for surviving ransomware attacks. Learn how to recognize warning signs, execute effective containment, and recover databases when attackers have targeted your backups.
What You’ll Learn
- Three types of ransomware attacks and how each threatens SQL Server environments differently: crypto ransomware, locker ransomware, and doxware
- Red flags that signal an active attack before complete encryption, giving you critical response time
- Initial response and containment protocols including when to disconnect systems, isolate backups, and engage incident response teams
- Common encryption strategies attackers use to maximize damage, including targeted backup destruction and multi-process execution
- Database recovery procedures for rebuilding from VM backups, restoring system databases, and handling certificate and encryption key restoration
About the Presenter
Jaysukh Ramani is a Senior SQL Database Administrator at Datavail with over 20 years of experience in Microsoft technologies. He specializes in SQL Server performance tuning, automation, and disaster recovery across environments ranging from small businesses to large enterprises. Jaysukh has supported customers through critical incidents and recovery scenarios, providing him with practical expertise in protecting and restoring SQL Server environments under pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes SQL Server databases such attractive targets for ransomware attackers?
SQL Server databases contain an organization’s most valuable and sensitive information—customer records, financial data, intellectual property, and operational systems that keep businesses running. Attackers know that encrypting databases creates immediate business impact and pressure to pay ransoms. Modern ransomware specifically targets backup systems to eliminate recovery options, and SQL Server backups stored on network shares are particularly vulnerable.
How can data engineers detect a ransomware attack before complete encryption occurs?
Early detection is critical. Watch for unusual patterns: sudden spikes in failed login attempts across SQL instances, unexpected service disruptions or restarts, unusual file activity on backup locations, or complaints from users about slow database performance. Automated monitoring should alert you to suspicious processes accessing multiple databases simultaneously or unexpected changes to SQL Agent jobs and maintenance plans. Many attacks begin reconnaissance days or weeks before encryption, looking for backup locations and testing credentials.
What should we do immediately when we discover a ransomware attack in progress?
Speed and containment are everything. First, engage your incident response team and follow your ransomware standard operating procedures. Immediately disconnect affected systems from the network to prevent lateral spread—but don’t shut them down yet, as memory contains forensic evidence. Isolate your backup systems before attackers can reach them. Disable any compromised accounts to stop ongoing access. Resist the urge to immediately start restoring systems; premature restoration can reintroduce the infection.
What preparations prevent ransomware from becoming a catastrophic data loss event?
Preparation determines survival. Maintain a current, detailed inventory of all SQL Server instances, databases, and dependencies—you can’t restore what you don’t know exists. Implement the 3-2-1 backup rule: three copies of data, on two different media types, with one copy offline or immutable. Test your restore procedures regularly under realistic conditions, including system database restoration and certificate recovery. Document and standardize your recovery processes so any qualified data engineer can execute them under pressure.