What is Ransomware
Ransomware has evolved overtime to become one of the most malicious software – Malware – that has left many a company across the globe affected, ranging from minor hassles to complicated and expensive losses.
Modus Operandi
Ransomware is generally distributed via phishing emails or through software vulnerabilities. Phishing emails contains malicious attachments which seemingly appear legitimate and upon opening such links by the recipient will infect the PC and the Network. Hackers can exploit software vulnerabilities and deliver the ransomware to the computer.
Types and Effects
There are basically two types. Locker and Crypto. Locker ransomware encrypts the whole hard drive of the computer, locking the user out the system. Crypto ransomware, the most common type encrypts personal data and files such as documents, PDF, image files…etc. Ransomware is able to permanently corrupt or delete the files if the demands from the attacker are not met, in most cases monetary demands.
Prevention and Mitigation
Prevention is always better than cure. As ransomware is able to evolve consistently, one should always be on the alert.
Backing up important data and ensure there is an offline copy as well.
