09 Aug What is Ransomware?

What is Ransomware and how it works?

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts the victim’s data and demands ransom for the private key to decrypt it. Typically, it arrives as an email at the victim’s inbox and then spreads by itself to other computers.

Encryption ransomware:  The most common type of ransomware is the one that encrypts the victims’ data (files, documents, photos, etc.) on their computer and demands ransom for the private key to decrypt it.  This kind of ransomware should also come with an attachment or a software installer with an executable file designed to execute without authorization. While ransomware has existed for decades, it’s only in recent years that hackers have started using this tactic. Ransom malware, or ransomware, is a type of malware that prevents users from accessing their system or personal files and demands ransom payment to regain access. The earliest variants of ransomware were developed in the late 1980s, and payment was to be sent via snail mail. Today, ransomware authors order that payment be sent via cryptocurrency or credit card, and attackers target individuals, businesses, and organizations of all kinds. Some ransomware authors sell the service to other cybercriminals, which is known as Ransomware-as-a-Service or RaaS.

How do I get ransomware?

There are several different ways that ransomware can infect your computer. One of the most common methods today is through malicious spam, or malspam, which is unsolicited email that is used to deliver malware. The email might include booby-trapped attachments, such as PDFs or Word documents. It might also contain links to malicious websites.

Malspam uses social engineering in order to trick people into opening attachments or clicking on links by appearing as legitimate—whether that’s by seeming to be from a trusted institution or a friend. Cybercriminals use social engineering in other types of ransomware attacks, such as posing as the FBI in order to scare users into paying them a sum of money to unlock their files.

Another popular infection method, which reached its peak in 2016, is malvertising. Malvertising, or malicious advertising, is the use of online advertising to distribute malware with little to no user interaction required. While browsing the web, even legitimate sites, users can be directed to criminal servers without ever clicking on an ad. These servers catalog details about victim computers and their locations, and then select the malware best suited to deliver.

Cyber Guard provides effective solutions to protect your computer from ransomware. Contact them for more information!