Ransomware: Preventable
In the past, security threats often included system information that could be used for other crimes such as identity theft. Now, cyber criminals have continued to demand money from victims by keeping their devices – and data – hostages. This type of malicious attack on which data is encrypted and victims are asked to pay for the key, called ransomware, and is rapidly increasing since 2013.
• What is ransomware? Ransomware is a malicious software. Hackers require payment, often via Bitcoin or prepaid credit card, from victims to get back access to their infected device and the data stored on it.
• Why ransomware? Because of the simplicity of deploying ransomware, cybercriminals are increasingly relying on such malicious attacks to generate profits.
• Who does ransomware affect? Although home users have traditionally been targets, health care and the public sector are increasingly targeted. Businesses are more likely to have deep pockets from which to request ransom.
• How Can I Protect from Ransomware Attacks? Various tools developed in collaboration with police and security companies are available for decrypting your computer. Please contact us to help you protect your data.
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that is characterized by device control, and locally stored data – for ransom, which victims usually pay in Bitcoin or other virtual currencies, although they are often premium SMS messages and prepaid credit card alternatives. Sophisticated attacks on use encryption on disk or file level, making it impossible to recover files without paying ransom required by hackers.
Ransomware attacks typically spread through file sharing networks, but are also distributed through identity theft emails that mask the user interface as maliciously crafted images or as executable files associated with e-mails.
For IT professionals, the risk of ransomware infection spreads beyond desktops and laptops, but has historically included smartphones and other related computing devices, such as Synology NAS products and Android TVs. Although home users have traditionally been the discovery targets for the ransomware, business networks are increasingly targeted by criminals. In addition, servers have become high profile targets for malicious attacker, since unpatched systems connected to the internet are easy targets.
According to NTT Security’s Global Threat Report 2017, 28% of ransomware attackstargeted companies and professional service companies over the past year. 19% of the attacks were directed at employees in the government and the public sector, and healthcare providers accounted for 15% of the ransom attacks.
How Can I Protect You From Ransomware Attacks?
Ransomware is often spread in file sharing networks or on sites that want to provide direct downloads. Other traditional attack vectors have also been used, such as email attachments or malicious links.
There are ways to protect yourself from possible infection charges. Contact us so we can help you protect your business.
