• Friday, January 15, 2021



The word "ransomware" comes from the English language and contains the term "ransom", which translated means "held hostage for money". Ransomware is a malicious program for computers, which ensures that the computer is locked for the user, and can only be unlocked again by paying a ransom. 

 

 

What is Ransomware?

 

Ransomware is a malware that is installed secretly on the PC of a stranger. The difference between Ransomware to that of malware is that Ransomware comes into direct contact with the user of the affected system. In comparison, the malware encrypts either the files or the entire computer. The hacker has authority over the computer and asks a ransom. As long as the sufferer does not give the ransom, the device stays encrypted.

 

 

What is the difference between Ransomware and malware?

 

Malware is the parasol title for all programs that produce harm to a device. Both viruses and Ransomware are, therefore, malware. Ransomware is malware that grows during activation and encrypts files in the infected computer network. Until the ransom paid, the device kept decrypted by the hacker.

 

 

Is Ransomware a virus?

 

No, Ransomware is not a virus. Although viruses and Ransomware are both malware, they are different. Viruses infect data and replicate themselves. Ransomware, on the other hand, encrypts files. For this reason, the name "cryptovirus" does not correlate precisely with the malware.

 

 

How significant is the danger of Ransomware?

 

The risk of Ransomware is more significant than one might think. Companies, inappropriate, should be on guard upon infected emails. By 2018, cybercriminals had already stolen 8 billion euros. A considerable sum, but in 2019, even more, was hijacked: The damage generated in 2019 has more than tripled compared to the previous year, of approximately 24 billion euros.

 

 

What is the reason for this rapid increase in successful ransomware attacks? 

 

Hackers have found the correct niche. Advanced methods and a little knowledge about a company's employees (social engineering) allow hackers to affect the IT infrastructure with a single malicious email. Hospitals have been the most common victims of encryption attacks.

 

 

How does Ransomware work?

 

It usually begins with a standard phishing email that works as an inducement to download an infected file. In most cases, the ransomware infection occurs by a strived PDF, DOC or XLS file.

 

By opening this malicious file, the criminal has passed the crucial hurdle. Thus the installation on the particular system takes place. Later the building can run individually of the activation of the Ransomware. 

 

As the Ransomware initiates, the actual damage starts: the encryption process works. Individual files on one system or even different courses within a company network can be encrypted. From now on, the user no longer has the privilege of selective files or his whole computer. 

The control is in the hands of the hacker. Once everything is encrypted, a warning appears on the victim's screen. Here the hacker obliges a ransom to lift the Ransomware. Once this process finishes, the attackers hardly have to wait for the victim to pay the ransom. If the systems' owners have not made a payment by the deadline, either the ransom demand will increase, or the process of deleting data will begin.

Ransomware attacks can cause significant damage, especially for companies. Experts and authorities usually advise against paying a ransom. Often the victims have no choice but to believe for the good-naturedness of the hackers after the payment. 

 

 

How to protect against Ransomware?

 

To defend against Ransomware, companies should be proactive and develop a cybersecurity plan against malware. As Ransomware is very challenging to detect and fight, different protection mechanisms must be applied. The most outstanding protection is the training and sensitization of employees. Only those who know that Ransomware endures and how it proceeds can detect such attacks.

 

Since the email inbox is one of the classic entry points for malware, a good spam filter should block or quarantine all executable attachments, zip files and MS Office document macros.

 

If an attack is successful, it is essential to have up-to-date backups available. Backup of data need to be maintained manually or automatically. A cloud solution for companies would be an excellent possibility for data backup.

 

For ransomware attacks, the email used primarily. Well camouflaged, emails get to the employee's computer in the target company as PDF, EXE or JPEG files. The display of file extensions deactivated by default in most email clients, so the user usually cannot recognize the file's format at first glance.

 

Unintentionally, the infected files open, and the Ransomware executes. Therefore, you must enable the viewing of file extensions in your email client settings.

 

Closing vulnerabilities is also critical. Microsoft's Remote Desktop protocol often used as a vulnerability. This feature allows Ransomware to spread within the local network in individual cases. This way, the malware distributes itself in the network within a short time. Updating the systems is also necessary. The older the software, the more entry points are available. If you are still using Windows 7 or even Windows XP today, you should not be surprised if your computer is infected and encrypted. 

 

 

How to Remove Ransomware?

 

Once the Ransomware is on the computer and has affected it, there is usually no right way out. Either you pay the ransom or set up the computer new (with the hope of an up-to-date backup). For some ransomware attacks, however, there are decryption tools. Just visit the site https://www.nomoreransom.org/crypto-sheriff.php?lang=en for this.