WHAT IS RANSOMWARE ?

WHAT IS RANSOMWARE ?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that blocks access to the victim's data or threatens to publish or delete it until a ransom is paid. Any action is possible once a device or system is infected and there is no guarantee that paying the ransom will return access or not delete the data. Simple ransomware may lock the system in a way which is not difficult for a knowledgeable person to reverse. , in which it encrypts the victim's files, making them inaccessible, and demands a ransom payment to decrypt them.

The ransomware may also encrypt the computer's Master File Tablel (MFT) or the entire hard drive. Thus, ransomware is a denial-of-access attack that prevents computer users from accessing files since it is intractable to decrypt the files without the decryption key. Ransomware attacks are typically carried out using a Trojan that has a payload disguised as a legitimate file.

Mobile Ransomware:

With the increased popularity of ransomware on PC platforms, ransomware targeting mobile operating system have also proliferated. Typically, mobile ransomware payloads are blockers, as there is little incentive to encrypt data since it can be easily restored via online synchronization.Mobile ransomware typically targets the Android platform, as it allows applications to be installed from third-party sources.

The payload is typically distributed as an APK fileinstalled by an unsuspecting user; it may attempt to display a blocking message over top of all other applications,while another used a form of clickjacking to cause the user to give it "device administrator" privileges to achieve deeper access to the system.

Different tactics have been used on ios devices, such as exploiting iCloudaccounts and using the Find My iPhone system to lock access to the device.On iOS 10.3, Apple patched a bug in the handling of JavaScript pop-up windows in Safari that had been exploited by ransomware websites.

How to Prevent Ransomware:

• Keep your antivirus software up to date
• Be wary of pop-up installation requirements
• Think twice before clicking on links
• Don’t download apps from unknown sources
• Back up all important files from your device
• Update your operating system and your apps
• etc...