Ransomware is malware that infects a computer or network and holds the victim’s files or data hostage until a ransom is paid. This form of cybercrime has been on the rise in recent years, with attackers using increasingly sophisticated methods to target individuals and organisations.
In this article, we will explain ransomware, how it infects your computer, and the best practices to prevent it.
The complete guide to Ransomware
Ransomware encrypts the victim’s files and demands payment for the decryption key. It is malicious software that can infect computers and networks through various methods. Once infected, the ransomware encrypts files on the victim’s computer, rendering them inaccessible without the decryption key.
Ransomware uses a complex encryption algorithm to scramble the victim’s files, making them unreadable without the decryption key. Once the files have been encrypted, the ransomware will typically display a message demanding payment in exchange for the decryption key. The message often includes a countdown timer, adding urgency to the victim’s decision-making process.
Recent versions of ransomware have been particularly devastating, with attacks targeting high-profile organisations such as hospitals, government agencies, and financial institutions. In some cases, the attackers have demanded millions of dollars in ransom payments, making it clear that the threat of ransomware is not going away anytime soon.
The history of ransomware
ansomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that has been used by cybercriminals since the late 1980s. Here is a brief history of ransomware:
- AIDS Trojan (1989): This was the first-known ransomware attack, which used a Trojan horse program to lock victims’ computers and demand payments to be made to a PO box in Panama in exchange for a decryption key.
- Reveton (2012): This ransomware variant would display a fake message purporting to be from law enforcement, accusing the victim of illegal activity and demanding payment of a fine to unlock their computer.
- CryptoLocker (2013): CryptoLocker was one of the most successful ransomware variants, which used advanced encryption algorithms to lock victims’ files and demanded payment in Bitcoin in exchange for a decryption key.
- WannaCry (2017): WannaCry was a large-scale ransomware attack that affected over 200,000 computers in 150 countries. It exploited a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows and demanded payment in Bitcoin.
- Ryuk (2018): Ryuk is a type of ransomware that has been used in several high-profile attacks on organizations, including hospitals and local governments. It is typically distributed through spear-phishing attacks and demands large ransom payments.
- Sodinokibi (2019): Sodinokibi is a type of ransomware that targets businesses and demands payments in Bitcoin. It has been linked to several high-profile attacks, including one on the foreign exchange company Travelex.
As the use of technology and the internet has become more widespread, ransomware attacks have become more frequent and sophisticated. Ransomware is now a significant threat to individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide, and it is essential to take precautions such as regular data backups, antivirus software, and employee training to reduce the risk of ransomware attacks.
How Does Ransomware Infect Your Computer?
ransomware can infect computers and networks through various methods, including email attachments, malicious websites, and software downloads. One common method of infection is through phishing emails, where the attacker sends a fake email pretending to be from a bank or government agency. The email may contain a malicious attachment or link that, when clicked, installs the ransomware on the victim’s computer.
Another method of infection is through software downloads from untrusted sources. Attackers may disguise the ransomware as a legitimate software update or offer it for download on a fake website. The ransomware is installed on their computer when the victim downloads and installs the software.
Common targets of ransomware include individuals and organisations relying on their data for daily operations. That can include businesses, hospitals, government agencies, and educational institutions. By targeting organisations with valuable data, attackers can extort larger sums of money in exchange for the decryption key.
Signs of Ransomware Infection
Symptoms of a ransomware infection include a pop-up message demanding payment in exchange for the decryption key, encrypted files with changed file extensions, and a changed desktop background. In some cases, the ransomware may also delete or corrupt files on the victim’s computer.
The message displayed by ransomware can be used to identify it. This message will typically include instructions for making the ransom payment and may include a deadline for payment. Additionally, the file extensions on encrypted files may be changed to another or similar extension.
How to Remove Ransomware
Since ransomware is often protected by sophisticated methods, removing it can be challenging. However, several steps can be taken to remove ransomware from an infected computer.
- Disconnect the infected computer from the network: Keeping the ransomware from spreading will prevent it from spreading to other computers.
- Use anti-virus software to scan and remove the ransomware: Anti-virus software can detect and remove known strains of ransomware. However, it is important to use up-to-date anti-virus software, as attackers often update their ransomware to evade detection.
- Use specialised ransomware removal tools: ransomware can be removed using several specialised tools. These tools are often more effective than traditional anti-virus software, as they can detect and remove even the most advanced ransomware strains.
- Restore from a backup: If the infected computer has a backup, restoring the system to a previous state may be possible before the ransomware infection occurs.
- Pay the ransom: This is not recommended, since the attackers may not provide the decryption key and paying the ransom encourages further attacks.
How to Prevent Ransomware Infection
The best way to prevent ransomware infection is to prevent it from infecting your computer. There are several best practices that individuals and organisations can follow to prevent ransomware infection.
- Regularly update software: Attackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to install ransomware on victims’ computers. Regular software updates can close these vulnerabilities and prevent ransomware infection.
- Use anti-virus software: Anti-virus software can detect and remove known ransomware strains before they can cause damage.
- Practice safe browsing: Avoid clicking on suspicious links and downloading software from untrusted sources.
- Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication: Protect your accounts by using strong passwords, and multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security.
- Educate employees about the dangers of ransomware: Teaching employees how to avoid infection can help prevent attacks.
Several tools can also help prevent BitLock ransomware infection, including firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and endpoint protection software.
How to behave in the event of a ransomware incident
If you or your organization becomes a victim of a ransomware attack, it is essential to take immediate action to minimize the damage and prevent further spread. Here are the steps you should take:
- Disconnect from the network: As soon as you suspect a ransomware attack, disconnect your device from the internet and any other networks to prevent the malware from spreading.
- Contact IT/security team: Notify your IT or security team immediately so they can take steps to contain the attack and prevent further damage.
- Assess the damage: Identify the extent of the damage by evaluating which systems have been affected, what data has been compromised, and the severity of the ransomware attack.
- Do not pay the ransom: It’s tempting to pay the ransom to get your data back, but there’s no guarantee that the attackers will give you access to your files. Moreover, it incentivizes the attackers to continue their criminal activities.
- Restore data from backups: If you have backups of your data, restore the files from the backup. Make sure that the backups are not infected with the ransomware and that the malware has been completely removed from your system before restoring data.
- Remove the malware: Use antivirus or anti-malware software to remove the ransomware from all infected devices. Be sure to update your antivirus software before scanning your systems.
- Implement stronger security measures: After the ransomware attack has been contained and your data has been restored, implement stronger security measures to prevent future attacks. This includes regularly updating your security software, conducting security awareness training for employees, and performing regular vulnerability scans.
Remember, the key to minimizing the impact of a ransomware attack is to act quickly, stay calm, and follow the appropriate procedures.
Conclusion
Ransomware attacks can have devastating effects on individuals and organisations. Using up-to-date anti-virus software and other security tools is the best way to prevent ransomware infection.
As a precautionary step, companies must encrypt their data in case their company is exposed to a ransomware attack, as encryption in itself does not prevent the attack, but in the event that the attack occurs, the attacker cannot access the data and read what is inside it and threaten the victim with publishing the data
