What is Ransomware?

What is Ransomware?

General   /   Feb 27th, 2020   /  A+ | a-

Wondering what the idea behind the ransomware fuss is all about? You’ve probably heard the term at the office or read about it in some tech news article. Then suddenly, you get that pop-up on your computer screen warning you of a ransomware infection.

Ransomware is a form of malicious software that locks and encrypts your computer or device data and then demands a ransom to restore access. Usually, the victim must pay the ransom within a set period or they risk losing access completely.

Here’s a detailed report on ransomware, how to get them, types of ransomware, and how to protect against it.
 

How to get ransomware

 

Ransomware can infect your computer in several different ways. The most common method of infection is through malicious spam. These are unsolicited emails that are used to deliver malware. Usually, the emails are booby-trapped attachments in the form of word documents or PDFs that may contain links to malicious websites.

Another popular infection method is malvertising or malicious advertising. Here, cybercriminals use online advertising to distribute malware. This process requires very little to no user interaction. Usually, even legitimate sites can end up redirecting you to criminal servers without clicking on ads.
 

Types of malware

 

Ransomware attacks come in many different forms, some more harmful than others. The only common factor that they share is that they demand that the victim pays a ransom for access to his/her data. Some of the most common ransomware include:

  • - Crypto malware
  • - Lockers
  • - Scareware
  • - Doxware
  • - RaaS
  • - Mac ransomware
  • - Mobile ransomware

Popular ransomware targets

 

Ransomware usually spread across the internet without having specific targets. However, the nature of this malware means that cybercriminals can choose their targets. Their targeting ability means enables cybercriminals to go after victims that are more likely to pay larger ransoms.

Some of the common ransomware targets usually include:

  • - Large organisations that pay quickly
  • - Groups that are perceived to have smaller security teams
  • - Firms that hold sensitive data
  • - Businesses in the western markets

Overall, ransomware can target anyone and force you to part with a lot of money to have your data access ‘possibly’ restored.
 

How to protect yourself from ransomware

 

So far, the best way that you can protect yourself against ransomware infection is to prevent it from infecting your computer in the first place. There are also other solutions that you can use to protect your computer against infection, like investing in awesome cybersecurity.

You should also look into programs that block ransomware from holding your files hostage.
 

Wrapping up

 

Cybercriminals use ransomware attacks as an easy pay-day with a low chance of getting caught. Therefore, you must always ensure that your computer and sensitive files are always secured and protected. Don’t be a victim of a ransomware attack

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