Imagine someone hijacking your computer and locking your system through data encryption? Now, imagine the criminal behind it demanding money to hand over the only key that will unlock and restore access to your files?
This “hijacking” unfortunately exists and has a name: ransomware. It is a crime that has been growing at an alarming rate worldwide.
In this text, we will discuss not only the definitions of data encryption and ransomware, but we will also show the types, some figures that highlight the scale of the damage this practice can cause to organizations and individuals, as well as provide some tips on how you can defend yourself. Shall we?
What is ransomware?
For cybercriminals, a lucrative data encryption practice. For the victims, a crime that causes anguish, despair, and a sense of helplessness, since in most cases there is no immediate solution.
Ransomware is a type of virtual kidnapping, where the kidnappers manage to access your personal accounts and data, with the sole purpose of blocking and encrypting them and then extorting money from the victim.
While the most common practices you knew involved stealing data—such as credit card details to sell to third parties—criminals are now bolder. They have eliminated the middleman to deal directly with the victims.
What are the damages caused?
In 2015, complaints about losses from ransomware practices and ransom payments reached 24 million dollars in the United States. However, by April 2016, estimated losses had already reached 200 million in the first quarter alone.
By the end of 2016, the estimated losses worldwide due to this cyber practice were 325 million dollars. According to a study by ISTR Symantec 2016, attacks of this type increased by around 35% compared to 2015. That is almost 1000 attacks daily.
What are the types of ransomware?
Knowing the types of ransomware is also a way to defend yourself against criminals. Below, we will give some of the most common examples of this malicious data encryption software that has been threatening users across the globe.
Scareware
This is a “lighter” model of ransomware, as it does not actually take over the victim’s computer information and data. This type relies on threats through pop-ups with frightening messages.
The messages usually state that the computer is infected with malware and that to get rid of it, a certain amount of money must be paid. However, even though it is an insistent message, it is a simpler ransomware.
This type can be removed from the system by simply scanning with a good security software. Fortunately, in this case, it is possible to resolve the issue without compromising the user’s files.
Lock-screen
This type of ransomware severely harms the victim, as it completely paralyzes their computer. Typically, an error screen appears as a symptom, with a message trying to “force” the user to pay a “fine” for the system to be restored.
For this type of attack, a complete system restore may solve the issue. But the best alternative is to ask for help from specialists.
Cryptographic or data encryption
This is undoubtedly the one that causes the most damage to victims. It is the worst type of ransomware and, unfortunately, the one that claims the most victims worldwide.
This model is malware that, after affecting the computer, begins to encrypt all files. To decrypt them, it is necessary to pay for the decryption key, which is in the hands of the criminals.
If the user whose computer is affected by this type of ransomware does not have a backup and cannot/will not pay for the key, they will lose all files, since there are still no security tools efficient enough to combat this type of threat.
How to protect yourself?
The best way to defend against ransomware is not having to defend against it at all—meaning, taking every possible precaution so that you or your organization do not become another victim of this type of cybercrime.
To do this, it is necessary and urgent to invest in specialized IT teams to keep your files and documents safe at all times through backups and regular maintenance, ensuring that the entire system is healthy and at no risk. Check out a few more tips and pass them on to your team, friends, and family!
Don’t trust email links and files
Be careful when receiving emails, especially when it is a message you were not expecting.
If you know the sender, confirm the authenticity of that forwarding with them. If you do not know them, ask a professional for help or simply delete it.
Keep your software and operating system always updated
Regardless of your system (Windows, Linux, Mac), it is essential to update it constantly. With each update, you reinforce your system’s security and prevent various types of attacks.
Uninstall applications you don’t use or that may seem suspicious
In this case, it is also fundamental to rely on the help of a specialized technician, as you run the risk of deleting important files from your system.
Invest in good antivirus systems
In addition to ensuring a good antivirus for your machine, it is crucial to make sure you are running its most updated version. Free systems help with basic issues, but they are not enough to prevent more serious attacks on the computer.
Therefore, hiring an efficient antivirus is essential and can prevent a lot of damage.
Perform backups regularly
Another good tip is to perform backups with a certain regularity. Additionally, store your backup files in isolated locations, disconnected from your computer.
Even if your backup is in the cloud, you need to have “offline” copies—because some ransomwares can target multiple layers, encrypting all of them.
I am already a ransomware victim, what should I do?
Stay calm and contact your technical support as soon as possible.
The ideal is not to pay the ransom, for two reasons: the first is that you have no guarantee that you will actually recover your files. The second is that this practice, in a way, encourages the crime and stimulates criminals to continue acting this way.
Finally, do not delete your files even if they are already encrypted. There may be flaws in the ransomware systems that can be discovered by specialists in the field, even if it takes time. Keep them and seek help from experts as quickly as possible.
After learning a little more about data encryption and the terrible practice of ransomware that has been claiming victims worldwide, we invite you to participate by leaving your comment and contribution. Share your testimony and help enrich the discussion on the subject!
