Understanding Ransomware and How to Prevent It
Whether you’re the victim of a ransomware attack, or you are trying to protect your organization, understanding what ransomware is and how to prevent it can help. In the past year, ransomware attacks have increased by 50%.
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts data on a computer or device, making it impossible for the user to access it. The virus may also delete backups. It may even threaten to leak sensitive information online.
The spread of ransomware has become increasingly widespread, with many versions of the virus being able to spread across an entire network. These types of attacks are primarily targeted at organizations that can pay quickly, such as banks and universities.
These types of attacks are also targeted at government agencies, hospitals, and law firms. These organizations are often in a position to pay the ransom quickly, as they need access to their files immediately.
Cybercriminals use this opportunity to gain access to the organization’s network, and to create a hole in the organization’s cyber defenses. They may also use the opportunity to plant malicious encryption software.
The encryption process can corrupt some files beyond repair. Some files are encrypted in such a way that they can be recovered only with a mathematical key that the attacker knows.
If you are a victim of a ransomware attack, contact law enforcement as soon as possible. They may have legal authorities to help you, or they may have tools that are available only to other organizations.