Ransomware 101

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15 Nov 2022

Every year, more businesses and individuals fall victim to this type of cyber attack, in which hackers encrypt a victim's data and demand a ransom to decrypt it.

While ransomware attacks used to be relatively rare, they are now becoming more common.

And as the technology behind Ransomware evolves, the threat will only grow. For example, with the rise of Bitcoin, Ransomware is becoming more sophisticated and profitable for criminals.

As the threat landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to understand the evolving threat of Ransomware and how to protect yourself and your business.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a rapidly evolving threat that cyber criminals have increasingly used in recent years.

What Is Ransomware - How to Prevent and Remove It

It is malware that encrypts a victim’s files and demands a ransom to decrypt them. It can spread through phishing emails or exploits that exploit software vulnerabilities.

It can damage businesses because it can lead to data loss and downtime.

While ransomware attacks have typically targeted individual users and small businesses, there has been a trend toward targeting large organizations in recent months.

A History of Ransomware Attacks: The Biggest and Worst

This is a serious concern as Ransomware can cause significant financial damage and disrupt industries.

The Rise of Ransomware

Ransomware has been around for years, but it has recently grown in popularity due to the increase in cryptocurrency values.

Ransomware Attacks Hit Two Out Of Three Organizations

The most well-known ransomware attack is CryptoLocker, which was first seen in 2013.

CryptoLocker was particularly effective because it used strong encryption and demanded payment in Bitcoin, which was not well known then.

Since then, there have been many other ransomware attacks, including WannaCry, Petya, and NotPetya.

WannaCry, Petya, NotPetya: how ransomware hit the big time

Ransomware is a severe problem because it can result in the loss of essential data, and the payments made to attackers often go towards funding other criminal activities.

As businesses increasingly rely on digital systems to store data and coordinate operations, Ransomware has become a severe threat. The attacker then demands a ransom from the victim to decrypt the files.

What Is Ransomware And How It Works? - YouTube

In many cases, businesses will not be able to recover their data without paying the ransom, which can be costly and cause significant disruptions.

Ransomware attacks usually begin with a phishing email that contains an attachment or link that downloads the malware onto the victim's computer.

The History and Evolution of Ransomware Attacks | Flashpoint

Once the Ransomware is installed, it will scan the disk for files to encrypt and display a ransom message.

The attacker will typically require payment in cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, to decrypt the files.

From Viruses to Trojans

Viruses have been around since the early days of computing. They were first discovered in the wild in the late 1970s, and they became a severe problem in the 1980s as personal computers became more widespread.

Timeline of computer viruses and worms - Wikipedia

Malware, including viruses, Trojans, and worms, is a significant problem for computer users today.

These malicious programs can damage your computer, steal your personal information, or even enslave your machine to attack other computers.

DEF CON 19 - The History and Evolution of Computer Viruses

While there are many different types of malware, they all share one common goal: to somehow harm you or your computer.

The best way to protect yourself from malware is to use a good anti-virus program and to be careful about the websites you visit and the email attachments you open.

Bitcoin and Ransomware

In the past few years, Ransomware has been on the rise, with more and more people falling victim to this type of malware, and now usually, the ransom is demanded in Bitcoin.

Bitcoin is a digital currency that was created in 2009. A government or central bank does not back it, and can be used to purchase goods and services online. Bitcoin is also often used as an investment, and its value has fluctuated wildly over the years.

Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that allows for peer-to-peer transactions. Transactions are recorded on a public ledger called a blockchain.

How Bitcoin Has Fueled Ransomware Attacks - NPR

Unfortunately, Bitcoin is often used for illegal activities because it is difficult to trace.

Ransomware attackers usually demand payment in Bitcoin because it is difficult to trace and offers some anonymity.

But paying the ransom does not guarantee that your files will be decrypted. There have been reports of people who paid the ransom but did not get their files back.

Types of Ransomware

There are many types of Ransomware, but the four most common are crypto-ransomware, locker ransomware, screen locker ransomware, and mobile Ransomware.

Crypto ransomware is the most common type of Ransomware. It encrypts your files and demands a ransom to decrypt them.

Locker ransomware locks you out of your computer or certain apps and demands a ransom to unlock them.

Screen locker ransomware locks your screen and doesn’t allow you to do anything until you pay the ransom.

Mobile Ransomware locks your phone or tablet and demands a ransom to unlock it.

Ransomware is a type of malware that can be incredibly destructive and costly. Knowing the different styles is essential to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Defending Against Ransomware

As Ransomware continues to grow in popularity among cybercriminals, organizations must take steps to defend themselves against these attacks.

While paying the ransom may seem like the easiest way to get your files back, it is not recommended as it only encourages the attackers and does not guarantee that your files will be decrypted.

Defend Against Ransomware - Business Tip

There are several things organizations can do to protect themselves from ransomware attacks, including backing up data regularly, training employees on cybersecurity best practices, and using security software with anti-ransomware features.

By taking these precautions, organizations can minimize the risk of being victimized by Ransomware and protect their data.

Defending against ransomware is all about the basics - O'Reilly

You should also avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown senders.

And if you encounter Ransomware, don’t panic—there are steps you can take to recover your data without paying the ransom.

Final Thought

Ransomware is a growing threat that must be taken seriously. With new strains emerging constantly, keeping your computer updated with the latest security patches and practicing safe browsing habits is the best.

It is important to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect yourself and your organization. For example, keep your software up to date, back up your data, and never click on links or open attachments from unknown sources.

Backing up your data regularly is also crucial in case of an attack. For example, if you find yourself the victim of a ransomware attack, do not panic and consult a professional to help you regain access to your files.