Cybersecurity threats come in different forms, and one of these is ransomware attacks. These attacks come in the form of malicious software that threatens to block access to data. The hackers may also threaten to publish the data publicly. Usually, the hackers ask for a fee in order to restore access to the files. This demand typically comes with a deadline, and failing to meet the deadlines can result in an increase in the ransom price. If you fail to pay the fee, your files may be lost forever. Since you will be dealing with criminals, you also need to note that paying the ransom will not always guarantee that you will regain access to your data.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about ransomware attacks.
How to Prevent Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks can be extremely costly to businesses, and that is why you need to consider getting IT security solutions. With these solutions, all communication you have with third parties will have to be scanned to ensure that there are no security threats. When selecting an IT security solution, you should start by comparing the costs. Nowadays, these services have become affordable, but you shouldn’t compromise quality for lower prices.
When evaluating the quality of an IT security solution, you should first evaluate the strength of the brand. Generally, services with better user reviews will offer the best quality. Also, you need to pick a service that offers different protection levels. The service should also block access by unauthorized parties.
What Are Some Examples of Ransomware?
By evaluating some examples of ransomware, you will be able to learn the characteristics and tactics of these attacks. Here are some of the famous examples of ransomware:
- Wannacry: This is a crypto-ransomware that targets users of the Microsoft Windows operating system. The program encrypts the files on your devices and demands payment in form of Bitcoin. This ransomware made headlines in 2017 when it became a global issue, and although the cases have reduced significantly, Wannacry is still a threat.
- Bad Rabbi: This is another ransomware that paralyzed organizations in Russia and Ukraine in 2017. It also infected devices in Japan, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Germany. The code in this ransomware features references to the TV show Game of Thrones.
- REvil: REvil is a dangerous ransomware that exfiltrates data before the documents are encrypted. The purpose here is to blackmail the owners of the files if they choose not to pay the ransom.
Conclusion
Cyber attacks can be devastating to businesses, and they can be implemented in the form of ransomware attacks. With ransomware attacks, you can easily lose your data, and this will paralyze your operations. The hackers will encrypt your files and ask you to pay a ransom in order to regain access to the documents. Some of the more famous ransomware include Bad Rabbit, REvil, Wannacry, and CryptoLocker. To protect yourself from these attacks, you should enlist the services of IT security experts.
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