Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that threatens to publish the victim's personal data or perpetually block access to it unless a ransom is paid. While some simple ransomware may lock the system in a way which is not difficult for a knowledgeable person to reverse, more advanced malware uses a technique called cryptoviral extortion, in which it encrypts the victim's files, making them inaccessible, and demands a ransom payment to decrypt them.

History

The first known ransomware attack was the AIDS Trojan, also known as the PC Cyborg virus, which was created in 1989 by Joseph Popp. The malware was distributed via floppy disks and demanded a ransom to be sent to a post office box in Panama.

Types of Ransomware

Ransomware can be classified into several types:

• Scareware: This type of ransomware includes fake software claiming to have found issues on your computer and demanding money to fix them.
• Screen lockers: This type locks the user out of their computer, displaying a full-screen message that prevents access to the system.
• Encrypting ransomware: This type encrypts files on the affected system and demands a ransom for the decryption key.

Notable Ransomware Attacks

• WannaCry: A global ransomware attack that occurred in May 2017, affecting over 200,000 computers across 150 countries.
• Petya: A ransomware attack that began in 2016 and resurfaced in 2017, affecting various organizations worldwide.
• CryptoLocker: A ransomware trojan that surfaced in 2013, targeting computers running Microsoft Windows.

Prevention and Mitigation

Preventing ransomware involves a combination of good security practices and technical measures:

• Regular Backups: Regularly backing up data ensures that you can restore your system without paying the ransom.
• Security Software: Using up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software can help detect and prevent ransomware.
• User Education: Educating users about the risks of ransomware and safe computing practices can reduce the likelihood of infection.

Response to an Attack

If a system is infected with ransomware, the following steps are recommended:

• Isolate the Infection: Disconnect the infected system from the network to prevent the spread of ransomware.
• Identify the Ransomware: Determine the type of ransomware to understand the best course of action.
• Restore from Backup: If backups are available, restore the system to a state before the infection.
• Seek Professional Help: In some cases, it may be necessary to seek help from cybersecurity professionals.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Paying the ransom is generally discouraged as it encourages the perpetrators and may not guarantee the return of data. Law enforcement agencies often advise against paying ransoms and recommend reporting the incident.

See Also

• Malware
• Computer virus
• Cybersecurity
• Encryption
• Data breach