BotNet News

Ransomware attacks are on the rise, and they can affect any business. From hospitals to Fortune 100 companies, victims can suffer from lost revenue, costs associated with remediating the attack and potential legal fees. Additionally, cyberattackers can demand ransom payments to regain access to data.

The first recorded ransomware attack occurred in 1989 when Harvard-educated biologist Joseph L. Popp sent infected floppy disks to attendees of the World Health Organization AIDS conference. The malware—now known as the AIDS Trojan—encrypted victims’ computers and instructed them to mail $189 to a P.O. box in Panama for a decryption key.

In the decades that followed, a series of new ransomware variants were introduced, including CryptoLocker and Ryuk. These encrypt files and store the key on a remote server, which makes it impossible to unlock the files without paying the demanded ransom. In more recent years, attackers have also started using ransomware to mine cryptocurrency, a process that requires large amounts of computing power.

To protect against ransomware, organizations can use antimalware software to detect and remove malicious code from the computer. They can also keep all devices’ software updated, as flaws used in exploit kits to gain illicit access are often patched with updates. In addition, they should encourage employees to practice good hygiene by not clicking on suspicious links or attachments in emails and by avoiding visiting untrusted websites. Finally, it’s critical to report any ransomware attacks to law enforcement. This will help to identify the attackers, aid in available decryptions and launch an investigation into the attack.