What is Ransom-ware? And how to protect yourself?

When surfing internet many times you had read about Ransomware attack. And you might thought what exactly this Ransomware attack is? In this article, I will explain what ransomware is and how to protect yourself from being infected by it.

What is Ransomware?

From its name “Ransom” it is clear that this malware is about money. It is a special kind of malware which installs itself on victim’s computer and locks or hides files of victim and demand ransom to unlock them. Specialty of this malware is that it can’t be deleted. 

Crypto Ransomware:

This ransomware is mostly used by attackers. It is based on strong encrypting algorithms that encrypts files of user and provide key to files after ransom payment from victim.

Why Ransom-ware is too dangerous?

• As mentioned earlier this malware can’t be deleted.
• They accept money in form of bitcoins, because bitcoins can’t be tracked by cyber-security.
•  They tracks location of their victim and display message on his screen in his language about ransom.
•  Another thing that make it too dangerous that it can spread itself from one computer to another computer. If many computers are connected through LAN then there is huge chance of ransom-ware attack on all computers.

Major Target of Ransom-ware:

In past, mostly single user get affected by Ransom-ware. But now due to increase in strength of its attack and better algorithms it attacks police departments, schools hospitals where a lot of important data is present and also they can pay high ransom.

Another reason to attack on business community is that, this malware can spread on cloud-based sharing system so more victims more ransom.

How Ransom-ware fired by cyber-criminals?

1. Spam emails are best medium for transportation of ransom-ware. But this mostly effect single user.
2. By embedding its code with other mostly used softwares.
3. By redirecting victim to malicious website.
4. Advertisement of fake product. 

How to remain safe from Ransom-ware?

• Always keep backup of your data.
• Always keep your operating system up-to-date.
• Do not submit your personal data on unknown websites.
• Never download software from non-trusted websites
• Never use pirated software.
• Try to redirect to only https protected websites.
• Do not open unknown emails or sharing data links.
• Must use antivirus for your system.

Ransom-ware is the most challenging element for cyber-security. This was a brief overview of Ransom-ware. Hope so you find it informative. Please share so other can known about this malware.Thanks!