The Growth of Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents or limits users from accessing their system, either by locking the system's screen or by locking the users' critical files until a ransom is paid in the form of cryptocurrency. Most modern ransomware encrypts certain file types on infected systems and forces users to pay the ransom through certain online payment methods to get a decryption key.

Earlier the ransomware had to be coded by the hacker as per his/her requirements from the victim using their coding skill, But when it started to be sold on the E-markets the use of ransomware suddenly jumped to a massive scale. The frequency of ransomware attacks has increased dramatically from the year 2021 according to Check Point's mid-year security report.

Now the question arises how does ransomware spread in one's system?

Ransomware can be downloaded onto systems when unwitting users visit a malicious or compromised website for gaining a fake reward shown as bait or sometimes by mistake. Many times ransomware is delivered as attachments from unknown spammed emails, downloaded from malicious pages through malvertisements, or dropped by exploit kits into vulnerable systems.

                 
    Fake reward Bait used By Hackers

Detecting ransomware can be difficult but not impossible! However, ransomware is often detected only after it is announced by the attacker, for example, via a pop-up on the screen.

Suppose ransomware has entered your system and somehow you found out. It is critical to detect the attack as early as possible and prevent it from spreading to other systems and devices. Individuals and organizations alike can follow the following steps to remove ransomware. 

Step 1: Isolate the infected device from the internet to stop it from spreading to other devices connected.

Step 2: Determine the type of ransomware used.

Step 3: Delete the ransomware before recovering the system using antimalware/anti-ransomware software.

Step 4: Recover the system by restoring the previous version of the OS.

Ransomware removal is challenging. Sometimes, it is possible to remove ransomware; sometimes, it is impossible to eliminate the malware from the systems it infected. The key is to minimize the likelihood that any kind of malware, including ransomware, penetrates the system's network. Accomplish this by adhering to the following security best practices:

• Do not connect devices to an infected or suspicious network.

• Do not access websites that appear suspicious.

• Do not open suspicious attachments on fishy emails. 

• Do not click on links on emails, posts on social media, or other potentially dangerous messages.

• Do not install pirated or unknown software and content.

• Do install antimalware software on the system and keep the software up to date.

• Do store files in separate external drives.

• Do periodically run tests of networks to identify suspicious activity.

• Do back up files in secure locations with encryptions.