Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of intentional software attack that infects a computer or network and restricts users access to it until a ransom is paid to unlock it. It often displays an on-screen alert and often attempts to extort money from its victims. While some simple ransomware might only lock the system, so it’s not difficult for a knowledgeable person to reverse, more advanced malware and ransomware encrypt the victims’ files and demands a ransom payment for a decryption key. Many ransomware attacks are accomplished through backdoor access, email spoofing and social engineering. Ransomware is a mostly new way to attack, take over, and control a system through a variety of strategies including software, non-air gapped network devices, social engineering, email spoofing, and sending viruses through email attachments to lock system files behind an encryption wall, with the only option to unlock through paying a “ransom” for a decryption key. These encryptions are often impossible to decrypt without significant time and resources that the system owners cannot afford, and thus pay for easier restoration of systems or infrastructure. It’s incredibly important to have a solid cyber security strategy to defend against ransom ware and backdoor attacks.