Even though ransomware has lately attracted the attention of everyone, it actually has existed since the days of floppy discs. Ransomware’s recent rise in popularity is undoubtedly a result of the criminals’ most recent target, which is revered by many. A form of malware known as ransomware encrypts data or a victim’s computing device and threatens to keep it encrypted or worsen it until the victim gives the attacker a ransom. The first ransomware attacks required payment in order to decrypt data or unlock a device. But the risks have been significantly increased by modern cybercriminals.
There are various types of ransomware, such as Scareware, Encrypting ransomware, and many more. In this data kidnapping attack, attackers access the data and ask the owner for payment to unlock the files. And, if all these processes occur, there is no guarantee that the user will get his data. So, considering this type of malfunction and taking protection against it, getting a data backup solution in Dubai and protecting your sensitive data is important.
How do Ransomware Attacks Work?
Cybercriminals can now buy and use software tools to build ransomware with particular capabilities because of ransomware kits available on the deep web. After receiving ransom payments to their Bitcoin accounts, they can produce this malware for their own dissemination.
It is now possible for people with little to no technical background to buy affordable ransomware as a service (RaaS) and launch attacks with little effort, just like much of the rest of the information technology world.
Using a phishing email is one of the more popular ways to spread malware. An email includes an attachment as a link that the recipient believes to be reliable. The malware in the file starts downloading when the victim taps on that link. To infiltrate a system, other, more aggressive types of ransomware will take advantage of security flaws rather than deceiving users. Chat communications, portable USB drives, and browser plugins can all propagate the malware.
Steps of a Ransomware Attack:
A ransomware attack will usually go through the following steps once hackers have access to a device.
Step 1: Reconnaissance: Attackers scan the compromised system to learn more about the hardware and network and find files they can target, such as those that hold sensitive data that they can use in a double- or triple-extortion attack.
Step 2: Activating the attack: The crypto-ransomware starts to locate and encode files. Most ransomware that encrypts data uses asymmetric encryption, keeping a secret key that can be used to decrypt data while using a public key to encrypt the ransomware itself. Non-encrypting malware blocks access to the device by locking the screen, saturating the device with pop-up ads, or inflicting other forms of interference.
Step 3: The ransom note: The ransomware notifies the victim once files have been encrypted and the device has been disabled, frequently by dropping an a.txt file on the computer’s desktop or using a pop-up notice.
Now you know how dangerous this ransomware can be for you. So, to defend against threats, companies must take certain precautions such as maintaining a backup of sensitive data, updating cybersecurity tools, and Implementing access control policies, including multi-factor authentication, zero-trust architecture, and many more. Also, if you’re unable to manage, let Trutech IT help you. We are qualified to provide all IT-related services, including IT Support & Services, IT Infrastructure & Audit, Web & cloud, and Data backup solutions in Dubai. Get associated with us to understand more about us and our services.