WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RANSOMWARE
What Is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents or limits users from accessing their system, either by locking the system’s screen or by locking the users’ files unless a ransom is paid. More modern ransomware families, collectively categorized as crypto-ransomware, encrypt certain file types on infected systems and forces users to pay the ransom through certain online payment methods to get a decrypt key.
How Does A Ransomware Attack Work?
Users may encounter this threat through a variety of means. Ransomware can be downloaded onto systems when unwitting users visit malicious or compromised websites. It can also arrive as a payload either dropped or downloaded by other malware. Some ransomware are known to be delivered as attachments from spammed email, downloaded from malicious pages through malvertisements, or dropped by exploit kits onto vulnerable systems.
Once executed in the system, ransomware can either lock the computer screen, or, in the case of crypto-ransomware, encrypt predetermined files. In the first scenario, a full-screen image or notification is displayed on the infected system’s screen, which prevents victims from using their system. This also shows the instructions on how users can pay for the ransom. The second type of ransomware prevents access to files to potentially critical or valuable files like documents and spreadsheets.
Ransomware is considered “scareware” as it forces users to pay a fee (or ransom) by scaring or intimidating them. In this sense, it is similar to FAKEAV malware, but instead of capturing the infected system or encrypting files, FAKEAV shows fake antimalware scanning results to coax users into purchasing bogus antimalware software.
Preventing The Problem
To protect your personal data, it’s worth implementing a few simple ransomware security measures. First up? Don’t assume that only Windows PCs are at risk. According to PCWorld, it’s now possible for ransomware to attack Android and iOS, Linux servers and even smart televisions. You can also lower the chances of infection by deleting spam emails, never clicking on suspicious links, and always downloading mobile apps from official application stores.
Despite best efforts, however, it’s possible that an attack will still succeed. As a result, it’s important to always back up critical files — on a USB stick, external hard drive or another PC — that isn’t connected to your primary device. Keep your operating system up to date and regularly run a reliable anti-virus scan to help detect any dormant ransomware code. If your device does get locked down, search online for a cure, since many security companies have developed ways to crack existing ransomware encryption. Worst-case scenario, you can also pay the ransom — understand, however, that payment does not guarantee the safe return of your files.
Ransomware continues to impact devices and users worldwide. Avoid attacks and limit damage by understanding the basics of a ransomware attack and improving your overall information security.
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