Did you hear the word Ransomware? In recent times, the word is getting much popularity. If you hear about it then this article will help you to understand it much better. If not then, then it’s also useful to know the details about it. So no more waiting let's jump on the topic, Ransomware.
Here I explain the details about what is ransomware, its
history, its types, and how to protect ourselves against it. Ok before going on to
the technical definition let us consider the real-life situation for better understanding.
Just imagine your company will launch a new autonomous car
(self-driving car), it isn’t just an autonomous car but it is the first model
that is fully automated, and if you’re going to test drive it tomorrow for
verification. Once the verification is successful, then you’re the first
company which procedures self-driving car at the same you’re going to be a big billionaire
in this era. All the details about the
verification and the working process of the car are stored in the main server due
to the excitement of verification you don’t back up it. But here the hackers
take advantage and hacked your system take over the control of the system. The next day before going to the office, you’re checking the system for one final self-verification,
but the system displayed a message that you’re hacked if you want to use the
system then you have to pay some amount to the hacker. What will you do? It’s
the D- Day for you right.
If you understand this situation correctly, then ransomware
is nothing but candy for you. So move onto the technical definition of
the term Ransomware, A ransomware or ransom malware is a type of infected file
injected into our system that is taking full control over the system it will
either fully block the system or display the message. Then the attacker demands
a ransom from the victim to restore access to the data upon the payment.
Now I think you fully understand what ransomware is and
how it makes us furious. Ok, let’s get back onto the history of ransomware. Basically, ransomware attacks have more than 40 years of history. Because the first
ransomware attack happened in the 1980s. Till now, exactly said that just
before writing this one, the company named JBS was faced a ransomware attack, and
the hackers asked for ransom (money) for the decryption key.
Here I state some of the attacks that happen around the
world. Basically, the first well known attack has happened in Russia between
2005 and 2006. In earlier years, ransomware typically encrypt particular file
types such as .doc, .jpg, .pdf, .xls, .zip and other commonly used file types. After
some time, the hackers are those infected files on email (spam), SMS, and Malvertising.
Initially, ransomware infections were initially
limited to Russia, but due to its popularity it will spread across all over the
places and until today it worked as a profitable business model for cybercriminals.
1) Scareware – A pop-up message claiming that malware discovered and the only way to get rid of it is to pay up.
2) Screen lockers – When lock screen ransomware gets on your computer, it means you’re frozen out of your PC entirely. A full sized alert window will appear on your home screen and tells you that you’re doing illegal activities that are why the system is blocked by the government officials and if you want to get back your data then you have to pay the fine amount for it.
3) Encrypting ransomware – This one is major thread. These are the guys who snatch up your files and encrypted them, and demanding payment in order to decrypt and redeliver. But why I tell you that this one is very dangerous, because all the files are under the control of hackers and at te same there is no guarantee if the files are given back once the around is played.
Other than, these are various type of ransomware attacks are
happening in real-time. So now you all know that how important to protect
our files but we’re all have to know the way for it. Here I suggest some ways
but if you have any other ideas then let me know through the comments section.
1) Make a proper security software/hardware for your device
2) To create a secure backup of your data on a regular basis. Try to use cloud storage that includes high level encryption and multifactor authentication
3) To create back using external devices like USB, hard disks, then eject it after finished the backup. Other they are also gets infected.
4) Be sure the system and software are updated regularly.
5) The final step is to educate you on how to detect malspam, suspicious websites and other doubtable ones.
And above all else, exercise common sense. If it seems
suspect, it probably is. So always aware of the unknown mails and doubtable
activities.
Thank you.
I’ll expect great questions from you. Thank You.
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Once again thank you for reading!!!