What Is Ransomware? Everything You Need to Know

Ransomware attacks have been on the rise in recent years, and they’re not going away anytime soon. So what exactly is ransomware? Is it some type of new virus? How does it attack your computer? And what can you do to protect yourself from this menacing form of cyber-crime? The answers to these questions and more are outlined in this article, so keep reading to get up to speed on the basics of ransomware, including its definition, how it attacks your computer, and how to prevent it from happening to you.

WHAT IS RANSOMWARE?

Ransomware refers to malware gets into computer and blocks it unless you pay a required sum of amount. It is like paying ransom in a real world.

It is an ever increasing security threat for businesses and individuals like, as it is becoming more advanced to stop.

In this post, we’ll give you a definition of ransomware, share some tips on how to prevent it, and tell you what to do if you’re infected.

A HISTORY OF RANSOMWARE ATTACKS

Ransomware has been around for centuries, with the first known instance appearing in the 13th century. However, it wasn’t until the late 20th century that ransomware began to be used more frequently. In 1989, the AIDS Trojan was created and used to encrypt files on victims’ computers. The attacker would then demand a ransom in order to decrypt the files. In 2005, Cryptolocker was created and it is considered to be one of the most successful ransomware programs to date. Cryptolocker would encrypt victims’ files and then demand a ransom in Bitcoin. In 2013, CryptoLocker was shut down by law enforcement; however, many other ransomware programs have since been created and are still being used today.

HOW DOES IT SPREAD?

There are a few ways that ransomware can spread, the most common being through phishing emails. Other ways include exploit kits, malicious websites, and drive-by downloads. It can also spread through removable media, like USB drives or CDs/DVDs. And finally, it can be manually installed by an attacker. To avoid getting infected with ransomware, keep your computer up-to-date with security patches.

HOW DOES IT LOCK DOWN YOUR FILES?

When you become infected with ransomware, the malicious software will scan your computer for specific types of files. Once it finds these files, it will encrypt them using a strong encryption key. This key is then locked away using a complex algorithm, making it impossible for you to decrypt the files without the key. The only way to get the key is to pay the ransom demanded by the cyber criminals. They usually demand payment in cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, so that they can remain anonymous.

CAN I GET MY FILES BACK IF I PAY THE RANSOM?

There is no guarantee that you will get your files back even if you pay the ransom. In some cases, victims have paid the ransom only to find out that their files are still encrypted. In other cases, they have received a decryption key but it didn’t work. And in some rare cases, victims have successfully regained access to their files.  These people say that for them, paying the ransom was worth it as opposed to losing all of their important documents and data. It’s also important to note that ransomware authors often give deadlines for payments (usually 72 hours) and threaten consequences if payment isn’t made on time.

HOW TO PROTECT AGAINST RANSOMWARE

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files and holds them hostage until you pay a ransom. It can be incredibly devastating, especially if you don’t have a backup of your data. To protect yourself against ransomware, you should regularly back up your data, keep your software and operating system up-to-date, and avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources. If you do find yourself the victim of a ransomware attack, don’t panic. There are a few things you can do to try and recover your data. First, see if you can find a decryptor tool online. If that doesn’t work, reach out to the ransomware support team for help.

The Conclusion:

Ransomware is a type of malware that blocks access to your computer system until you pay a ransom fee, often in Bitcoin. In some cases, the ransom fee is paid to decrypt your files; in others, paying the fee only makes the bad guys rich while giving you nothing in return.