Build a Ransomware Behavior Simulation and Detection System

Ransomware is one of the most damaging forms of cyberattacks, locking user data behind encryption and demanding payment. Simulating ransomware behavior in a sandbox helps researchers and security teams understand attack vectors. Coupled with a detection engine, it can help stop ransomware before it causes serious damage.

The system creates a safe sandbox environment to simulate file encryption behaviors commonly observed in ransomware. It simultaneously runs a detection module that monitors for rapid file changes, abnormal I/O, unauthorized encryption attempts, and process anomalies.

The system actively watches files and directories for suspicious write patterns. It logs encryption attempts and detects anomalies like high CPU usage from non-trusted processes or mass I/O operations. On detection, it takes action by isolating the process, alerting users, and logging the event.

• Launch simulation scripts that encrypt sample files using mock ransomware logic.
• The detection engine monitors changes using file watchers and entropy calculations.
• It flags rapid encryption, unauthorized writes, or registry edits by non-whitelisted apps.
• Logs are generated and alerts are triggered in real-time.
• Optionally, the system can suspend or terminate suspicious processes.

• Watchdog File Monitoring Library
• Understanding Ransomware Behavior
• MITRE ATT&CK – Ransomware TTPs
• Entropy Calculation in Malware Detection
• Real-Time Process Monitoring with Psutil