System Lockout & Encryption is the Biggest Nightmare of All Times: Ransomware Security the Pressing Priority

The sudden upsurge in the ransomware attacks is hitting the world with a storm as it is basically a moneymaking scheme which is initiated by pseudo cybercriminals. It has a prime aspect of encrypting the files and locking the computer screen. Ransomware takes place through deceptive links in an email message, instant message, and website or through unreliable antivirus software. For Instance, Scareware ransomware probably uses scare tactics or bully gullible victims into paying the money. The History of ransomware initiated in 1998 where PC Cyborg was considered to be the first ransomware virus. This ransomware simply used symmetric encryption, and at that time it was comparatively easy to decrypt files that PC Cyborg has encrypted. Then came 2012the arrival of the Reveton ransomware which locked unsuspecting users out of their system. Two years later came the boss of all the ransomware, CryptoLocker which demanded ransom money for retrieving the decryption key. Later, the feature of CryptoLocker ransomware became the key attribute of next-generation types of ransomware as well. There is probably two main types of ransomware; Crypto ransomware which prevents access to data usually through encryption, and another one is Locker ransomware which locks the computer and shuts the user out of their own system.Over the time new variants of ransomware keep on arising, and it is actually challenging to keep the trail of them. Therefore, your ransomware security should be up to the mark to defeat cybercriminals and to win a victory over their nefarious intents.

Common Types of Ransomware Attacks

• LockerGoga:

LockerGoga ransomware created a global IT outrage in the industry.It majorly hit numerous European manufacturing companies. This ransomware infiltrated the sector through a phishing email which forced the companies to start from scratch and to order hundreds of new computers.

• Bad Rabbit: 

You must be thinking how weird the bad rabbit name is, the way its name is baffling exactly, in the same manner, its existence in the dark web is perilous. Fraudsters behind bad rabbit encrypt the data and holds the encryption key and make the data hostage. Bad rabbit first initiated in Russia and Eastern Europe and it mainly spread through a fake Adobe Flash update. Cybercriminals demand a ransom payment of .05 from gullible victims to get purge of bad rabbit ransomware.

• Cerber: 

Cerber ransomware targeted through phishing campaign and impacted millions of organization ranging from small to big players in the pond and even individual users. It mainly targeted cloud-based Office 365 users, and it makes us realize the importance of SaaS backup.

• CryptoLocker: 

As the name says it all, CryptoLocker Ransomware locks the user out of their own system and in order to retrieve the decryption key they ask unsuspected victims to pay the ransom fee and that too in a limited time frame. It is also known as TorrentLocker, and it mainly uses an AES algorithm to encrypt file types. Cybercriminals behind CryptoLocker extorted nearly $3 million from unsuspected victims. They warn if the payment is not made till the last date of the deadline, then the decryption key will be deleted, and they would never get the access back. Also, they threaten victims if they attempt to remove ransomware from the system they will delete the encryption key.

• CTB-Locker:

This ransomware uses an affiliate program to ensure that the ransomware is disseminated properly and widely. Here, affiliates take up the charge and control system, and they find the potential customers through the spam email campaign or by sometimes running malicious web sites linked to exploiting kits. Also, cybercriminals behind CTB Locker thinks about the linguistic of victims; therefore, a note displays several flag icons in the top right corner so that victims can understand the note comprehensively.

• CryptoWall: 

CryptoWall gained its prominence when there was a downfall of original CryptoLocker ransomware. Also, various variants hit the industry like CryptoBit, CryptoDefense, CryptoWall 2.0 and CryptoWall 3.0. The same way like CryptoLocker, CryptoWall is mainly distributed via spam or exploit kits. Noteworthy features of CryptoWall is cybercriminals in order to prove they have the decryption key give the victims a chance to decrypt any one file. CryptoWall ransomware also comes with a Congratulations Note.

• Crysis:

Crysis ransomware has a robust encryption algorithm which makes it difficult to crack in a limited time frame that is granted by cybercriminals to pay the ransom fee. It basically encrypts files on removable, fixed and network drives. It spreads through the pesky email which contains attachments with a double-file extension which probably make the file appear as a non-executable file.

• GoldenEye:

GoldenEye ransomware is a replica of Petya ransomware. GoldenEye ransomware mainly targets users by acting up as the email has directly initiated from legitimate human resource department. Once the user opens the attachment, a macro is launched which encrypts files on the computer. GoldenEye ransomware adds a random 8-character extension at the end. It modifies the user’s hard drive named Master Boot Record with a custom boot loader.

• Jigsaw Ransomware:

Jigsaw ransomware plays the game in disguise, with each passing day and hour, they keep on deleting the files until a ransom fee is paid. After first hour jigsaw ransomware deletes single file and keeps on deleting until the 72-hour mark.

• KeRanger:

KeRanger ransomware is widely distributed all over the world, and it is known as the first fully functioning ransomware which is designed to lock Mac OS applications and is mainly distributed on popular BitTorrent. It is considered as the first successful ransomware which infected Mac OSrunningcomputers. Once this ransomware gets activated, it takes three days’ time and waits for the result day and encrypts about 300 different files types and automatically downloads a text file that contains a ransom demand. It also comes with the instruction on how to pay the ransom fee. What is unique about KeRanger is they give one file to decrypt for free and best is they have a help desk to answer victim’s queries.

• LeChiffre:

The story of LeChiffre is no less than a crime, and mystery movie plot. Right from the story of James Bond’s Casino Royale novel who kidnaps Bond’s love to lure him into a trap in order to steal his money. Cybercriminals behind the LeChiffre ransomware automatically scan networks in search of poorly secured remote desktops.

• Locky:

Locky ransomware approach is exactly the same as other types of ransomware. The Locky ransomware is spread through an email message, mainly disguised as an invoice. When the gullible user opens the invoice, they are further instructed to enable macros in order to read documents. As soon as the macros are enabled, Locky ransomware begins encrypting large files using AES encryption. Locky ransomware infects users via malicious Microsoft Office attachments, and once the file is clicked, it prompts the user to enable office macros.

• Petya Ransomware:

Petya Ransomware encrypts complete computer system, and basically it is malevolent ransomware. Petya ransomware encrypts and overwrites the master boot record by rendering the operating system unbootable. 

• WannaCry Ransomware:

This ransomware is quite popular among people since it has unprecedentedly grown and infected more than lakhs of computers. WannaCry ransomware takes advantage of unpatched Microsoft Windows vulnerabilities. This ransomware affected Windows machines through a Microsoft exploit known as EternalBlue.

• Spider:

Spider ransomware mainly spreads via email scam that is why it is named Spider ransomware just like a web. It is hidden in Microsoft Word documents that install the pesky ransomware on a victim’s computer when downloaded. The word document is disguised, which contains malevolent macros. The moment these macros are executed, the ransomware begins to download and encrypt the victim’s data.

 The Future Of Your Ransomware Security is in Defencebyte Hands 

Defencebyte Anti-Ransomware software multilayered security is an absolute panacea that ensures top-notch ransomware security to your overall system. Through its incessant vigilance, it simultaneously detects, prevents and blocks raging ransomware activities. The software interface is simple and clean, and it is one of the most user-friendly software one could ever find.