Abstract

Ransomware attacks are one of the most common and dangerous threats in cybersecurity. It prevents users from accessing their systems or personal files and extorts them by demanding a ransom payment. This study aims to identify the most effective machine-learning methods and techniques for detecting and mitigating ransomware attacks. Furthermore, it seeks to determine which features are essential to locate ransomware and which attributes are most effective in achieving this goal. To do so, we conducted a systematic literature review using the PRISMA methodological guide. We focused on selecting only primary empirical studies that will evaluate their effectiveness. The main findings revealed that the studies focus on the analysis of existing datasets, followed by API calls and executable file analysis. Dynamic, static, and network traffic analysis are the most used methods. Furthermore, we found that techniques such as hybrid analysis, digital DNA sequencing, and supervised learning, although less frequently, show their potential in ransomware detection. This research also indicates the limitations of their application, challenges, and future research directions. The results can be beneficial for researchers to learn about the variety of ransomware detection methods to identify ransomware infection at an earlier stage before an attack occurs and develop highly effective solutions.