As suggested by its name, the term Ransomware kidnaps your files for ransom. While the average Internet user isn’t familiar with this malware, the fact that nearly 1% of the people whose computer got infected with Ransomware had to pay at least $665 demands attention.
For people who have come across this nuisance, they report that the important part of their computer gets locked down. When they try to access it, they come across a message which states the amount of ransom.
According to Security experts from around the globe, although Ransomware is a new form of malware, it has exceeded the expectations of the hackers. Due to its easy usage and high spread rate, more than 1-Million devices have been infected by this type of malware.
Taking a look at the ransom and it amounts to at least $1.8-Million. These are only the cases which were reported to the authorities with numerous issues still under the carpet.
Thus, as evident by the aforementioned discussion, it has become customary for every Computer user to know about the ill effects of Ransomware. For detailed information about how ransomware works and how to easy tackle them, you can read further MySpyBot blog for full details. Going one step further, we will tell you some secret tips on how you could save yourself.
How does it enter the System?
Although there are many methods of the transfer of Ransomware, the most potent one is undoubtedly the Internet. Be it in the form of Pop Ups, malvertising, or hoax-updates, more than 90% of the Computer which has been infected by this malware came across it on the Internet.
Of the three methods of entry that are mentioned above i.e. Pop Ups, Malvertising and hoax-updates, the latter two methods are the most effective. Malvertising takes advantage of our fantasy as they usually show seductive images which require only a click to execute the Ransomware.
While Hoax updates function the same way as Malvertising, the basic different lies in their functionality. By displaying messages like “Your Software is updated”, they attack our nerves to get a click.
Pop-ups are the least difference because they could easily be avoided using the add-ons tool of your browser. However, while they are less penetrating, Pop Ups are equally dangerous as any of their other two counterparts.
In addition to the aforementioned three methods, there is another technique which is epitomized by Ransomware. It uses Spam Emails which contain a .rar file which, if executed, will spread the malware into the computer.
Thus, having known about the common routes of entry, let’s take a step further to know how it works inside the system.
How it works.
If you take a look at its working mechanism, you cannot help but admire the manufacturers of Ransomware. They have taken the limitations of ordinary malware, removed them and then introduced countermeasures so that the Antivirus won’t be able to detect it.
In fact, there are two things which tell us about how effective a malware could be: it’s ability to stay hidden and the amount of damage that it causes. Unluckily for us, the manufacturers of Ransomware have integrated both these “skills” inside their malware.
In addition to having vague file names and dynamic file traits, another working method that is used by Ransomware is to operate under the deception of genuine Programs. For example, such codes are embedded in the Ransomware which makes our computer think that it is a file from a genuine source i.e. Windows.
While the ancient Ransomware used communication protocols like (HTTP), the newcomer ones are using HTTPS. This minor change of words in the protocol has made it impossible to pin down the encrypted calls through network traffic monitoring.
If you’re still confused regarding its working, let’s take a look at Cryptolocker – another version of Ransomware. After being executed by the user, it resides at the Startup and establishes contact with the command and control server of our computer.
After succeeding in its attempt of maintaining contact, the Cryptoware codes more than 70-types of files that are present on the device at that particular time. In addition, if you have an external hard drive attached to your computer or use a Cloud for that purpose, there is a very good chance that both of them will be infected as well.
After doing the damage of encrypting the important files on the device, the Ransomware instructs the user to pay. While you might not believe it, there is no way of bypassing this virus to access your files. As a result, the victim is being left with no choice but to pay for it.
Who are the Victims?
In addition to affecting the normal household, the major target of Ransomware are multi National organizations, Government institutions, and financial agencies. Thus, with an impressive ability to encrypt more than 70-types of files and with its target so huge, you could only predict how huge this threat has become for the credibility of Antivirus Agencies.
