What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malware designed to prohibit an user to access the files on his computer. The malicious attackers encrypt the files and demand ransom payment for the decryption key. Few ransomware emerge with some additional functions such as data theft, providing further incentive for ransomware victims to pay the ransom. Ransomware can infect various devices such as printers, smartphones, point-of-sale (POS) terminals or any other endpoint with significant vulnerabilities. By time, ransomware has become a popular and prominent type of malware. We have evidenced many recent ransomware attacks which have impacted the hospitals and deny them to provide crucial services, crippled public services in cities, and caused important damage to any organizations. How Ransomware works? Ransomware’s task is to gain successful access to the target’s system, encrypt the files. On successful completion of the task, the attackers demand for ransom payment from the victim. Each variant of ransomware works in different stages to execute the task. 1. Infection and Distribution phase There are numerous ways for ransomware to gain access to an organization’s system. However, ransomware tends to follow a few specific ways. The most popular of them is phishing emails. A malicious email, containing a link to a website hosting malicious download or an attachment that has a downloader function built in, is sent to the victim. If the target gets trapped into it, the ransomware is downloaded and executed on their computer. Another preferable ransomware infection technique takes advantage of the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) services. Here, the attacker uses the stolen credentials of the victim to authenticate and remotely access the target’s computer. Thus, the attacker can easily download the malware and execute it on the system under their control. 2. Encryption of Data phase Once the ransomware has gained access to the system, it can begin with encrypting the files. Attackers encrypt the files with an attacker- controlled key, and replace the originals with the encrypted ones. Some ransomware variants delete backup and shadow copies of files to attempt recovery without the decryption key, which is a bit difficult. 3. Ransom Demand phase Once the attacker is done with encryption, the ransomware is prepared to make a ransom demand. It often results in change in the display background to a ransom note or text files placed in each encrypted directory containing the ransom note. Generally, these notes demand a set amount of cryptocurrency in exchange for granting access to the victim’s files. If the ransom is paid, the ransomware operator will provide a copy of the private key used to protect the symmetric encryption key or copy of the symmetric encryption key itself. The information provided by them can be entered into a decryption program to reverse the encryption and restore access to the user’s files. Apart from these three phases discussed, some ransomware variants like Maze, performs file scanning, register information, and steal data before encryption. WannaCry ransomware scans other vulnerable devices to infect and encrypt. Examples of Some Famous Ransomware Attacks There are many famous variants of ransomware malware which have created a global impact and widespread damage. Why are Ransomware Attacks originating? The modern craze for ransomware began with the WannaCry outbreak of 2017. It was a large-scale attack which proved that ransomware attacks were possible and significantly profitable. Soon after that, many ransomware variants have been developed and used in various attacks. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the urge of ransomware attacks increased as most of the organizations at that time had gone digital. Organizations pivoted to remote work, gaps were created in their cyber defenses. Malicious attackers took the advantage of this and exploited the vulnerabilities to inject ransomware. In the year 2023, ransomware attacks have targeted 10% of organizations globally, at an average level. This was recorded as the highest rate recorded in recent years. How does Ransomware Attacks affect Businesses? Ransomware attacks can affect a business severely and may create various impacts on a business. The common impacts are discussed below: How to prevent Ransomware Attacks? There are several practices which can help you protect against Malware and Ransomware attacks. Some of them are discussed below: Want to start your learning journey on Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking field?