To all those who are unfamiliar with ransomware lurking in the current cyber landscape, here’s a bit of knowledge share!
Ransomware is a kind of malware which enters a computer system or network through fraudulent means and locks down files from access by encrypting them until a demanded ransom is paid to hackers in return for a decryption key.
Now coming to the variants of ransomware- basically they are only two sets of ransomware. The first one is a malware which encrypts files blocking access to the victim until payment in cryptocurrency is paid to them. The second kind of ransomware doesn’t encrypt files but locks down the access of the victim to files until a ransom is paid.
As hackers are turning sophisticated, the third type of ransomware has emerged on a recent note which is a malware which not only encrypts files until a ransom is paid but automatically deletes those files after a stipulated time frame or if the victim denies paying the ransom.
Ransomware variants observed so far are Cryptolocker, WannaCry, Bad Rabbit, Cerber, Crysis, CryptoWall, GoldenEye, Jigsaw and Locky.
Security analysts say that preventing ransomware is better than dealing with the aftermath. By practicing safe computing habits like avoid clicking on phishing baits and having security solutions installed in the premises helps stay protected from ransomware.
Also having cloud-based data backups which can be recovered on time to maintain data continuity and integrity is required. While doing so one must ensure that the backup sets are stored on multiple sites which make recovery an easy tactic during the time of a disaster.
