What about Ransomware?
Ransomware is one type of malicious software (or malware) that prevents users from accessing their system or personal files and requires payment for ransom in order to get back in. Unlike the earlier forms in which payment was to be sent via snail mail, ransomware writers today request payment via credit card or cryptocurrency. The purpose of a ransomware attack is mostly for monetary advantages, and unlike other types of attacks, the target of a ransomware attack is typically informed that an exploit has occurred and instructions are given on how to recover from the attack. Ransomware will spread through infected application software, infected external storage devices, malicious email attachments and compromised websites. An growing number of attacks have taken advantage of remote desktop protocol and many other approaches that do not rely on some type of user interaction.
How does Ransomware work?
Ransomware kits on the deep web allowed cybercriminals to buy and use a software tool to create ransomware with specific capabilities, and then produce this malware for their own distribution and with the ransom money paid to their bitcoin accounts. On the other hand, it is now possible for those with little or no technical background to order less costly ransomware as a service ( RaaS) and then with very little effort execute attacks.
Attackers can use one of the different approaches to extort their victims from digital currency. Several of these methods are discussed more briefly below:
- The victim can be fooled into thinking he’s being the target of an official investigation. First the victim is told that unauthorized web material or unlicensed software has been found on his computer, and then instructions are given to the victim how to pay an electronic fine.
- The victim may receive a pop-up message or email ransom note warning that if the requested money is not paid within a defined date, then the private key necessary to unlock the computer or decrypt files will be lost.
- The attacker of ransomware encrypts files on infected devices and makes big money by selling a product which guarantees to help the victim unlock files and also prevent future malware attacks.
- The attacker may also warn the victim that if the ransom is not paid within a given time span, the data will be released to the general public in its unencrypted state.
Ransomware Types
Screen Lockers
Once it gets inside a PC, a ransomware lock-screen prevents all operations on the PC. A full-size window is often accompanied by an official-looking FBI or US Department of Justice seal when that specific PC is switched ON. The message shown reads that the PC has detected an unauthorized behavior and that the user will have to pay the fine to restore the usual actions. There are also people who may not realize that it is a ransomware attack if they are not aware that the FBI is not actually making demands for any money or blocking the user from their device.
Encrypting Ransomware
Using this ransomware, a hacker locks all the files and encrypts them on a computer device. The cybercriminal later, after successfully completing this mission, requests the ransom for the user to be decrypted and redelivered. The Ransomware Encryption is considered risky because most security systems lack the ability to tackle the attack. Additionally, you should also be aware that the ransom will not guarantee that the hacker will restore access to all the files that are locked.
Scareware
Scareware is a form of malware (ransomware) designed to trick victims into buying and installing useless and potentially vulnerable software. Scareware with rogue protection tools and tech-support scams is open. Computer users are usually greeted with a pop-up message pointing out that malware has been detected, and that paying up is the only way to get rid of it.
Security measures to stop Ransomware
Computer users should be able to avoid attacks on ransomware by following a few security practices that will help strengthen their defenses and enable them to remain protected from different types of online threats.
- Do not install software or grant administrative privileges from unknown sources
- Update the operating system periodically, and keep it patched
- Save files, automatically and regularly
- Download a robust antivirus program which can effectively detect malware
Spread Ransomware via Websites
Ransomware, too, could spread via compromised websites to host what is known as an exploit kit. Exploit kits are in reality automated threats that use compromised websites to search, redirect web traffic, and run malware for vulnerable browser-based applications. Exploit kits were built with the goal of secretly and automatically exploiting vulnerabilities when browsing the web on a victim’s computer.
Ransomware can be detected and even stopped from spreading across websites by a managed security service such as Fixhackedwebsite, which is suitable for websites and web applications. Fixhackedwebsite is capable of detecting and mapping all devices and web applications on a network and then conducting a full scan with Six-Sigma precision, and prioritizing detected vulnerability results with specific instructions to quickly address any security threats discovered. This web security tool immediately sends alerts to the Fixhackedwebsite Security Operation Center (SOC), which houses a round-the-clock team of certified analysts to deploy upgrades to the Web Application Firewall (WAF) and eliminate the threat even when it reaches the network.
Fixhackedwebsite provides the following functionality that can help avoid ransomware attacks by continuously conducting automated scanning that helps to save you from threats and keep all of your sensitive and private data confidential.
Malware Monitoring and Remediation:
Fixhackedwebsite can detect malware, include disposable methods and resources and deter possible malware attacks.
Web Application Firewall (WAF):
A strong, real-time edge protection for web applications and websites which provides enhanced protection against filtering, security and intrusion.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM):
Advanced intelligence capable of leveraging current events and data from over 85 M endpoints and 100 M domains.
Secure Content Delivery Network (CDN):
A global distributed server framework designed to improve web application and website performance.
PCI Scanning:
Such screening helps service providers and retailers to adhere to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) specifications.
Cyber Security Operations Center (CSOC):
A team of always-on trained cybersecurity experts who offer monitoring and remediation services 24x7x365.