Today we’ll be discussing a form of cybercrime that has been
of particular spotlight in the news: Ransomware. Most have heard of these
attacks before, and some are on the lookout for it, but what exactly is
Ransomware, and how is it implemented?
Ransomware is essentially a digital spin on a physical
ransom-note. However, instead of kidnapping people, Ransomware attacks the
files on your computer. Generally, the thieves set a lock screen on your system
to prevent you from accessing your computer until you pay a set ransom, often
threatening to delete the files on your system if you do not pay within the
specified time.
Ransom demands can vary considerably, from as little as $10,
to millions of dollars. As recent as February 14, 2016, CSO reported on a
Ransomware attack on the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center. While few
details are provided on how the attack entered the system, the article states
that at the time of writing, the hospital’s network had been down for an entire
week. In the case of this attack, the ransom demanded was over $3.6 million
dollars.
The majority of Ransomware threats are more general, preying
upon those they can lure to download the attack. Their attacks are usually
disguised, found in links to fascinating and unbelievable news, or surprising
gossip, or even free offers. Some are even disguised as antivirus or
antimalware software. But once the link is clicked, the user’s system is
infected, and the malicious program goes to work on locking you out of your
system.
Not all ransomware is this sophisticated. Some use simple
ploys, such as linking to a webpage where the browser tab cannot be closed. The
webpage makes a demand, claiming that it will delete files if a small ransom is
not paid, even though the web page likely has no access to your files. These
tricks are often rewarded when uninformed users panic and give in to the ransom
demands.
Whatever methods they use, Ransomware’s biggest ally is fear
and panic. If people continue to be pressured into paying the ransom demands,
this form of malware will continue to be prominent and profitable for cyber
criminals. To best battle the fear of ransomware, one needs to prepare a plan
to deal with it.
Next week: Steps to take to be prepared for Ransomware.
