Ransomware Explained For Beginners: What is Ransomware and How to Protect Your Computer from Ransomeware?

Introduction 

You are welcome to today's post on how does a ransomware attack works. In this post we will cover topics like, what is ransomware attack, how does a ransomware attack work, types of ransomware attacks, effects of ransomware on the business, how to prevent yourself from the ransomware attack and the last one is popular ransomware attacks. 

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So let's get started. In 2015, the Tesla crypt ransomware rapidly spread causing significant disruption to numerous gamers. Following extended gaming sessions, gamers were alarmed to find an unfamiliar text file labeled ransom note on their desktop. 

The content of this text file is to inform that the hacking group had taken control of their game files and private documents, encrypting them in an unreadable format. To regain access to their valuable data, each gamer was required to pay a ransom of $500 worth of Bitcoin to a specific Bitcoin address. Upon payment, they would receive the master key necessary to decrypt their files. This was a Tesla crypt ransomware. 

What is Ransomware Attack

Moving on to the understanding of what exactly a ransomware attack is all about. So what is a ransomware attack? A ransomware attack refers to a type of malware designed to encrypt personal information and documents, prompting the victim to pay a ransom in order to decrypt them. This payment is typically made using cryptocurrency to maintain anonymity although other payment methods may also be utilized. 

Even after the money has been sent, there is no guarantee that the hacker will send the decryption key or unlock the files, but in certain sensitive situations, victim makes the payment hoping for the best. So the attackers bringing out the attacks mainly they used to target renowned names of an organization, which leads to a lot of damage and theft to valuable information. 

Step by Step Guide on How Ransomware Attack Works?

So now let's understand how such an attack works. The first step is the spread of ransomware, it start with phishing attacks. A ransomware attack gains access to a victim device through infected emails, messages and malicious sites and encrypt the data in that device. 

The ransomware uses simple asymmetric encryption algorithms to blocks a user's files and makes them difficult to decrypt without knowing the key. 

The third step is, it also maps the location for targeted file types that include files stored locally and mapped and un-mapped network accessible devices.

The fourth one is it can also spread via malware, transmitted via untrusted application installation or even a compromised wireless network. 

The fifth one is ransomware adds instruction files, describing the pay for decryption process then uses those files to present a ransom node to the user. 

Types of Ransomware Attack 

Now let's understand types of ransomware attacks. So there are numerous types of ransomware available, but they mainly fall into three categories. 

Locker Ransomware 

The first one is locker ransomware. It is a type of malware that blocks standard computer functions from being accessed until the payment to the hacker is complete. It shows a lock screen that doesn't allow the victim to use the computer for primary purposes. 

Crypto Ransomware

The second one is crypto ransomware. This ransomware encrypts the local files and documents to computers. Once the files are encrypted, finding the decryption key is impossible unless the ransomware variant is old and the keys are already available online. 

Scareware

The third one is scareware. It is a fake software that claims to have detected a virus or other issue on your computer and directs you to pay to resolve the problem. Some scareware logs the computer while others flood the screen with pop-up alerts without damaging the files. 

Effect of Ransomware on Organisations

So after seeing types of ransomware, let's move forward and see some effects of ransomware on  businesses. So the impact on ransomware attacks on a business can be severely destructive.

As per the report, ransomware has inflicted a staggering cost of over 8 billion dollars on business in the past year. So let's see what are the reasons. 

Data Lost

First one is data loss. Businesses may suffer significant data losses resulting in critical information being inaccessible or permanently destroyed. 

Period of Downtime 

The second one is downtime and infrastructure compromise. Ransomware compromise the business infrastructure leading to disruptive downtime periods. 

Cost of Recovery 

The third one is costly recovery efforts. The recovery process after a ransomware attack can be expensive. The expensive might surpass the actual ransom amount.

Customer Loss

The fourth one is customer loss. The fallout from a ransomware attack may lead to losing customers who may seek services elsewhere. 

So these effects highlight the severity of ransomware attacks and underscore the importance of robust cybersecurity measure to safeguard businesses against such threats. 

How to Prevent Ransomware Attack 

Now let's move forward and see how to prevent these ransomware attacks. So how can one prevent ransomware attacks? Cybersecurity  experts recommend the following measures to protect against ransomware threats. 

1. The first one is regularly backup on computing devices to ensure data can be restored in case of any attack.

2. The second one is conduct an inventory like of all assets to have a comprehensive understanding of the organization digital lands. 

3. The third one is keep software including antivirus programs up to date address known vulnerabilities.

4. The fourth one is educate end users to avoid clicking on links in emails or opening emails attachment from unknown sources. 

So by implementing these measures individuals and organization can enhance their defense against ransomware and mitigate potential risk effectively. 

Popular Ransomware Attack in History 

So now let's move forward and see some popular ransomware attacks in history. So here are five most popular ransomware attacks that occurred in recent years and grabbed the entire world's attention. 

1. WannaCry

The first one is WannaCry. WannaCry ransomware first emerged in 2017 and infected thousands of computer in over 150 countries.

2. Petya

The second one is Petya. Petya ransomware is an encrypting malware that first surfaced in 2016. It encrypts critical files and hold them hostage unless you pay. 

3. Cerber

The third one is cerber. Cerber appeared in 2016 that spread through phishing emails and encrypted users files and database with advance encryption methods. 

4. BadRabbit

The fourth one is BadRabbit. BadRabbit ransomware is reported to be an improved variant of the Patea ransomware. It locks up the victims computer servers and the other files preventing them from regaining access until a ransom in the form of bitcoin is paid. 

5. Locky

And the last one is Locky. Released in 2016, Loggy is a file type of ransomware sent using emails demanding payment through an invoice in the form of tented Microsoft Word document containing infectious micros. 

Conclusion 

So that's all we had for you in this post we can call it a wrap now. If you have still any question or doubt let us know in the comment section below and our team of experts will help you at the earlier. Thank you so much for being here today we will see you next time until then stay safe keep learning with Blueguard. Staying ahead in your career requires continuous learning and upskilling. Whether you're a student aiming to learn today's top skills or a working professional looking to advance at your career we've got you covered. 

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