Ransomware is a type of Malware that prevents you from accessing the computer.
A ransomware attack encrypts a victim’s data. Ransomware is a type of malware that demands a ransom from its victims to restore access to their files.
It encrypts your whole system unless a ransom gets paid. After infecting your computer, the malware finds files with JPG, XLS, PNG, DOC and PPT file extensions. These important files are usually images and documents, so there is a good chance for the cyber criminals will encrypt your file that you need.
Cyber criminals create Ransomware for money, and it becomes the most powerful weapon for Hackers. It will display an image or a message that lets you know your data has been encrypted and you have to pay money to get it back. Mostly Hackers are trying to deal ransom payment through Bitcoins for hiding their real identity. After paying by the user, a victim will get the decryption key to decrypt their computer.
Ransomware attacks are typically carried out using a Trojan, entering a system through, for example, a downloaded malicious file or a vulnerability in a network service. These days Ransomware doesn’t affect just computers it also targets mobile phones and other electronics product too. Companies, government agencies, Institution, Health organisations have all been victims of Ransomware attack. Cyber Criminals top targets are companies and organisations because they become bigger as a comparison to single users.
How Ransomware Spread?
Ransomware can spread including:
Email attachments: The email attachment is the most important to check. Once the email attachment is opened, it can be installed by cyber threat actors on the computer.
Malicious websites: Ransomware can be delivered through a website that an attacker has compromised. When the victim visits the website, the ransomware is downloaded and installed on their device.
Removable media: Ransomware can be spread through removable media, such as USB drives or CDs if the victim inserts the media into their device.
Social engineering: Through social engineering techniques, such as tricking the victim into believing they have done something wrong and demanding a ransom to avoid being reported to the authorities.
Software vulnerabilities: Ransomware can also exploit vulnerabilities in software or applications to install itself on a victim’s device.
For protecting against ransomware, such as keeping your software and applications up to date and being cautious when opening emails or downloading files from unfamiliar sources, you can help protect yourself and your devices against these threats.
Here are a few additional ways that ransomware can spread:
Malvertising: It is online advertising that delivers malware to the victim’s device when they click on an ad. Ransomware can be spread through malvertising campaigns.
P2P file sharing: Through peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing networks if the victim downloads a file infected with ransomware.
Unsecured RDP connections: Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a networking protocol that allows users to remotely access and control another device or system. Ransomware can be spread through unsecured RDP connections if an attacker is able to gain access to the victim’s system.
Supply chain attacks: Supply chain attacks involve compromising a legitimate software or service to deliver malware to the victim’s device. Ransomware can be spread through supply chain attacks if the victim uses an infected software or service.
For protecting against ransomware, such as keeping your software and applications up to date and being cautious when visiting unfamiliar websites or downloading files, you can help protect yourself and your devices against these threats.
Ransomware Types
There are several different types of ransomware, including the following:
- Locker ransomware: This type of ransomware locks the victim out of their device or system, preventing them from accessing their files or applications.
- Encrypting ransomware: This type of ransomware encrypts the victim’s files, making them inaccessible unless the victim pays the ransom to get a decryption key.
- Ransomware-as-a-service: This type of ransomware is typically sold or rented to other individuals or organizations, who can then use it to carry out attacks on their own.
- Screen locker ransomware: This type of ransomware locks the victim’s screen, preventing them from accessing their device or system until the ransom is paid.
- Mobile ransomware: This type of ransomware targets mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets.
- Cryptojacking malware: This type of malware uses the victim’s device or system to mine cryptocurrency without their knowledge or consent.
- DDoS ransomware: This type of ransomware attacks the victim’s website or network, causing it to go offline until the ransom is paid.
- Leakware: This type of ransomware threatens to release the victim’s sensitive data unless the ransom is paid.
- Ransomware-as-a-platform: This type of ransomware provides a platform for other cybercriminals to build and distribute their own ransomware attacks.
- Social engineering ransomware: This type of ransomware tricks the victim into believing that they have done something wrong, such as visiting a banned website or downloading illegal content, and demands a ransom to avoid being reported to the authorities.
It is important to be aware of the different types of ransomware and to take steps to protect yourself and your devices against these threats. This includes keeping your software and applications up to date, using a reputable antivirus program, and being cautious when opening emails or downloading files from unfamiliar sources.
How Can we Protect From Ransomware?
There are several steps you can take to protect yourself and your devices against ransomware:
- Keep your operating system and software up to date: Regularly updating your operating system and software can help protect against vulnerabilities that ransomware can exploit.
- Use a reputable antivirus program: A good antivirus program can detect and remove ransomware before it can encrypt your files.
- Be cautious when opening emails or downloading files: Be wary of emails or links from unfamiliar sources, and avoid opening attachments or clicking on links in emails or messages from unknown individuals.
- Enable the built-in firewall on your device: A firewall can help protect your device by blocking unauthorized incoming connections.
- Back up your important files: Regularly backing up your important files can help you recover from a ransomware attack, as you will have a copy of your files that has not been affected by the attack.
- Use caution when visiting unfamiliar websites: Be careful when visiting unfamiliar websites, as they may contain malware or links to malicious content.
- Use strong, unique passwords: Using strong, unique passwords for all your accounts can help protect against password-based attacks.
Following these best practices can help protect yourself and your devices against ransomware and other cyber threats.
Read Latest Types of Ransomware:
New Mobile Ransomware Alert Similar Like WannaCry
WannaCry Ransomware Decryption Tools Now Available
CyberSecurity Research And Analysis Of WannaCry Ransomware
World Biggest Ransomware Attack Hits 74 Countries
What is WannaCry Ransomware And How to Protect Yourself ?
UK National Cyber Security Center Given Statement On Ransomware
Locky Ransomware: A New Danger Comes Up In The Cyber Era
TeslaCrypt Ransomware: Could Infect Your Hard Drives
CryLocker Ransomware: Gather Victim Wi-Fi Network Information And Location On Google Map
LeChiffre: A Ransomware That Hits Three Indian Banks
“NanoLocker”: A Ransomware Can Be Cracked
Alpha Ransomware : No Need To Pay Alpha Ransomware, Now Decrypt Your Files As Free
Researchers Discovered Three New Ransomware Variants: CryptFlle2, BrLock, and MM Locke
It is important to protect yourself and your devices against ransomware by using a reputable antivirus program, keeping all software and applications up to date, and being cautious when opening emails or downloading files from unfamiliar sources.