Introduction to our mini-guide
Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents users from accessing their system or personal files, and demands a ransom to gain access again. Ransomware can be particularly damaging, and can cause significant financial losses and other consequences for individuals and organizations.
Understanding what ransomware is and how it works is the first step in protecting yourself. By knowing the tactics used by cybercriminals, you can take effective steps to secure your systems and data.
The ransomware uses asymmetric encryption. This is a cryptography that uses a pair of keys to encrypt and decrypt a file. The public-private key pair is uniquely generated by the attacker for the victim, while the private key for decrypting files is stored on the attacker’s server. The attacker makes the private key available to the victim only after payment of the ransom.
After successful exploitation, the ransomware deposits and executes a malicious binary on the infected system. This binary then searches for and encrypts valuable files, such as Microsoft Word documents, images, databases and so on. The ransomware can also exploit system and network vulnerabilities to spread to other systems and possibly across entire organizations or sectors.
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Although ransomware may appear to be a recent phenomenon, it actually has a history that goes back several decades. The first documented cases of ransomware were reported in Russia in 2005. Since then, the threat landscape has evolved considerably, with the appearance of dozens of variants, each more sophisticated and destructive than the last. These variants have been used in a multitude of attacks, targeting individuals, businesses and even governments.
The world of ransomware is populated by numerous variants, also known as “strains”. Each of these strains has its own unique characteristics, infection methods and ransomware tactics. However, some strains stand out for their proliferation and success. Among the most notable are Lockbit, Conti, Medusa, Clop, Cactus, BlackCat, etc. (the list of ransomware groups is unfortunately long). These strains have been responsible for some of the most devastating ransomware attacks of recent years.
Ransomware is a serious threat to individual users and organizations of all sizes. Recent ransomware attacks have had a devastating impact, hampering hospitals’ ability to provide essential services, crippling public services in cities and causing significant financial damage to various organizations.
One of the most prominent ransomware attacks in recent history was WannaCry in 2017. This large-scale attack made headlines around the world, blatantly demonstrating that ransomware attacks are not only possible, but also potentially very profitable for cybercriminals.
One of the most common methods of ransomware infection is the phishing email. These malicious emails may contain a link to a website hosting a malicious download or an infected attachment. If the email recipient is tricked into clicking on the link or opening the attachment, the ransomware is then downloaded and executed on their computer.
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is another common method used by cybercriminals to distribute ransomware. With RDP, an attacker who has stolen or guessed an employee’s login credentials can use them to authenticate and remotely access a computer on the corporate network. Once this access has been obtained, the attacker can directly download the malware and execute it on the machine under his control.
Some ransomware strains attempt to infect systems directly by exploiting known vulnerabilities. For example, the WannaCry ransomware exploited the EternalBlue vulnerability to spread and infect systems around the world.
If you’ve fallen victim to a ransomware attack, don’t feel helpless. SOS Ransomware is here to help. As experts in helping organizations deal with ransomware incidents, SOS Ransomware can provide the assistance you need to recover your data and get back to business. Whether you need help decrypting your files, strengthening your defenses or training your staff, SOS Ransomware is your best ally. Contact us today to find out how we can help protect you against ransomware.
Our mini-guide for everyone
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Introduction: what is ransomware?
Detecting a ransomware attack
How to react to a ransomware attack?
Some examples of ransomware attacks
What are the most active threats?
How to protect yourself from a ransomware attack?