Ransomware happens to be one of the greatest threats to cyber security of individuals, institutions, corporations, schools, and even hospitals today. What is ransomware and why has it become such an important issue?
Knowing what is ransomware and how it operates will make it easier for you to detect early warnings and take appropriate actions in case of a threat.
What Is Ransomware?
Ransomware – What Is Ransomware? Ransomware is malware that tries to prevent, lock, encrypt or limit the access to data and computer systems. Having entered into a system or a computer, the attackers begin to encrypt necessary files and show a ransom note.
Then the attackers demand ransom in some form which is difficult to trace – cryptocurrency, for example. In some cases, the message states that the decryption key will be provided after receiving the ransom.
However, paying does not guarantee the restoration of files.
When one needs to learn what is ransomware, one should know that in modern times the ransomware attacks may include something more than just file encryption.
How Does Ransomware Work?
If one wants to know about ransomware, he or she should understand what is ransomware and its phases as well.
While there is no uniform scheme for any attacks, many ransomware operations follow a typical process of four or five phases:
- Initial access
First of all, the criminal should gain access to the system of the victim. The ways of penetration can include such methods as:
Phishing emails
Malicious attachments
Compromised websites
Stolen passwords
Vulnerable software
Remote services exposure
Social engineering
A convincing phishing email can induce a user to open an attachment or visit a malicious website.
- Malware execution
At the next step of ransomware operation, a malicious file or application gets executed on a compromised computer.
That is the reason why ransomware is not a simple warning message. It is the malware able to execute unauthorized commands on a system.
- Network discovery and access
In case of a large-scale attack, the cybercriminals can try to find other computers, servers, accounts and valuable resources of a network.
The main goal of such step is not to influence just one computer but a couple of them in order to cause more damage.
- Data encryption
Many ransomware families encrypt the files of a victim in order to make them unavailable. Files of different types such as documents, images, databases, backups, etc. can get encrypted.
This is one of the crucial things to consider when answering the question about what is ransomware.
The process of decryption of the data is quite difficult without an appropriate tool.
- Ransom demand
When the operation of penetration and infection of a computer is completed, attackers can display a ransom note to the victim.
The ransom note claims that paying ransom is necessary in order to decrypt the files or avoid publication of stolen information.
Such approach is aimed at pressuring the victim into action.
What Types of Ransomware Exist?
Having learned about the nature of ransomware, it is time to consider some typical types.
Crypto Ransomware
Crypto ransomware is aimed at encrypting files. The user may have access to their computer; however, the documents and other pieces of information will not be readable.
Locker Ransomware
Locker ransomware is an attempt to make users unable to work with their device and operating system.
As opposed to crypto ransomware, locker ransomware does not concentrate on files but rather makes the user unable to work with the device itself.
Double Extortion Ransomware
Double extortion ransomware is when the criminals steal files before encrypting the system and using the stolen data as an additional tool of coercion.
The victim faces two dangers: lack of access to files and leaking of private data.
Ransomware as a Service
Ransomware as a Service, or RaaS, is when the criminal groups provide ransomware services or the infrastructure for ransomware attacks to other criminals.
How Does Ransomware Spread?
What ransomware is also involves learning about how this type of malware infects its victims.
Some of the methods by which ransomware can infect its victims include:
Email-based phishing
Malicious downloads
Fake software update notifications
Website compromise
Reuse of weak passwords
Software bugs and vulnerabilities that get exploited by the malware
Malicious ads
Contaminated portable devices
There are cases where human mistakes have been involved. This would mean that the victim clicked on something that he should not have.
This shows why cybersecurity is important.
What Are the Warning Signs of Ransomware?
Understanding ransomware will help to identify any odd behavior prior to a more severe attack.
Some possible signs to look out for are:
Inability to access files
Odd file extensions
Ransom demands
Strange program behavior
Computer slowdowns
Disabling of security software
Excessive network activity
Login abnormalities
File renaming or modification
The presence of one sign alone does not necessarily mean there is ransomware. However, odd behavior needs to be sorted out.
Why Is Ransomware So Dangerous?
What is ransomware becomes even more relevant when taking into account its effects.
The following is what ransomware is capable of doing:
Damage to Financial Interest
There might be costs of recovery, business interruptions, costs of investigations, and possible penalties for the company.
Data Loss
Where there aren’t reliable backups, encrypted files might be hard or impossible to recover.
Interference With Business Operations
This ransomware attack might cause disruptions to important operations, preventing employees from accessing various applications, databases, documents, and other means of communication.
Security Issues
If the attackers managed to steal data, that data could become compromised.
Damaging Company Reputation
Customers and partners will no longer trust the company because of such a security breach.
How Can You Protect Yourself From Ransomware?
Knowing what is ransomware , is just a start. The second step to take is to form a healthy cybersecurity culture.
- Keep Up with Updates on Your Devices
Make sure all your updates on your operating system, applications, browsers, and any other software you use are installed.
These usually solve some security issues.
- Make Backups
Creating back-ups is one of the best ways to protect yourself against ransomware.
Always keep secure copies of your data and make sure you can restore these back-ups.
- Check What You Open from Email
Do not open strange attachments in emails or any other strange links you see there.
Always check who is asking something of you.
- Choose Complicated Passwords
Avoid using the same password for many services.
Use a password manager application which will allow you to create complicated and unique passwords.
- Use Multi-factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication is an additional layer of security after the password.
It makes harder the process of unauthorized access.
- Use Reliable Anti-malware Software
Nowadays, such software is able to detect suspicious actions and files.
Update it and be ready for new malware attacks.
- Give Limited Permissions
Usually, users must have access only to the things necessary for their work.
This minimizes damage if someone accesses your account.
- Training Employees
For companies, the training of employees is critical.
Employees must know how to spot phishing, suspicious attachments, login page imitation, and unusual requests.
What Should You Do If Ransomware Infects Your Device?
In case you think it’s ransomware, caution must be exercised.
First, think about disconnecting the infected device from any network as a preventive measure against possible propagation. Do not panic or rush into paying anything.
In case you are using a work computer, contact your organization’s IT/security staff. In case you are using a personal computer, consider getting in touch with a reputable cyber-security expert.
Keep any evidence available that could include ransom demands and any suspicious messages.
Backup copies may serve as a safer way out if available.
It would be much simpler to deal with ransomware if you know what is ransomware.
Should You Pay a Ransom?
One of the challenging issues when faced with ransomware attack is whether to pay.
Paying is dangerous since:
There is no assurance that the perpetrators will give you back access.
Criminals might ask for more money.
They may release the information that has been stolen.
This will create an incentive for other criminals to commit crimes.
The decryption software provided by the criminals may not work well.
When organizations have a serious case of cybercrime, they need to include the relevant cybersecurity, legal and law enforcement specialists.
Preparation is key.
Ransomware vs. Other Malware
It is important to know how ransomware differs from other malware types when answering the question, “What is ransomware?”
The viruses may be able to replicate themselves by infecting some files and programs.
The Trojans appear to be normal software and files in order to fool the victims to execute them.
The spyware is created for monitoring actions or collecting some information.
The worms are able to propagate themselves from one system to another one without any special user interaction, which is needed for the most malware.
The ransomware is mainly aimed at blocking access and obtaining some payment.
Some malware may have several mentioned properties.
The Future of Ransomware
Ransomware keeps advancing as the criminals keep searching for new methods to attack the system.
Therefore, organizations are allocating more resources towards:
Zero-trust security
Endpoint detection
Identity protection
Network monitoring
Security awareness training
Backup protection
Incident response preparation
Multi-factor authentication
With increased connectivity of technology, understanding of what is ransomware will always be relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ransomware
How to explain ransomware simply?
What is ransomware? It is malicious software that allows blocking access to files or systems and extortion of money from victims.
Does ransomware target phones?
Yes. Ransomware attacks are possible for mobile devices as well as for other devices due to installing applications from suspicious sources.
Does ransomware get deleted?
In some cases, it is possible to delete ransomware from the infected computer, but the removal of the malware will not guarantee the decryption of encrypted files.
Does antivirus block ransomware?
Antivirus software will be able to detect and block some activities of ransomware but no antimalware product will provide a 100% protection.
Are backups enough to protect from ransomware?
A good backup is the main way to deal with ransomware attacks since organizations can restore the attacked systems independently from attackers.
Is ransomware a problem of only enterprises?
No. It is possible to face ransomware attacks at any organization including private people, small companies, educational institutions, medical organizations, governmental institutions, etc.