How to Avoid Ransomware and What is Ransomware

What is a Ransomware?

Ransomware is basically a special type of malware that takes possession of various personal information of computer users and it is possible to recover those files or information in exchange for a certain amount of money. In some cases, the customer does not get full access to his own file even after payment. That's why such viruses or malware are always terrible. When ransomware was first invented in the late 1960s, money transactions were done entirely through Snail Mail. But now hackers who make ransomware make transactions through cryptocurrency or credit cards.

Ransomeware attacks Fig: provendata

I was in class 11 then. While buying a book in a shop, I saw a computer knowledge book and bought it out of curiosity because I was very eager to learn and know the computer. Then I found out that there is a computer virus in that book. I was scared to think of thousands of malware starting from Trojan Horse. How a virus inverts all the necessary files on our computer, how it snatches our personal information - the answers to all these questions were very neat on the pages of the book.

Honestly, in 2019 we don't have much time to worry about these viruses. Because the current computer operating systems have become so powerful that these viruses can do no harm. Nowadays, even Windows Defender (Microsoft Windows's own security system) can be sworn without the thought of a virus. And it is true that many computers or laptops may contain small viruses, which are basically as inactive as the elements in Group 16 of the Chemical Periodic Table.

The problem started in 2014-15. At that time a problem arose in the cyber world, its name was "Ransomware." Some more information should be given before talking about what is ransomware or its type. In May 2016, a massive cyberattack took place all over the world, the main culprit of which was this ransomware. An ugly malware called Wanna-cry infected millions of personal computers around the world. Even the cybersecurity systems of many of the world's largest companies were shattered. Recent ransomware attacks have made the world think twice about cybersecurity.

Hackers target the Ransomeware

In the beginning, the main target of ransomware hackers was personal computers, because the security system of these computers is very weak, as well as all the important information is not backed up much time. But gradually as ransomware began to gain strength, it stepped into the business. By attacking the personal information and websites of different companies, ransomware hackers snatch various information of those companies, stopping their way of earning money. By 2016, about 35 percent of small and medium-sized enterprises worldwide were attacked by ransomware.

Initially, the main target of ransomware was Europe. But as the economies of Asia and South America improve, these regions could also be the victims of cyber attacks like ransomware. On the other hand, it is often the case that large companies change their security systems to prevent ransomware. For these reasons, computer users like you and me can also be at risk.

Types of Ransomware :

1. Scareware

It consists of a combination of some malicious system software and scam viruses. While browsing the internet, a pop-up message may appear stating that a virus has been detected and you have to pay some money to get rid of the virus. Even if you don't pay, Squareware can't do much damage. Many times this malware also wants permission to install some malicious software on a personal computer automatically. If you have an updated antivirus on your computer, you don't need to worry too much about Squarewave.

2. Screen Locker

This type of malware is something to think about. Because the name implies that once something like this gets into the computer system, we will literally go blind in front of the computer. As soon as the computer is turned on, a warning message will appear on the screen, the logo of some international intelligence agencies (such as the FBI in the United States) will be displayed on the screen and it will be said that some fine will have to be paid for illegal activities on that computer. But the truth is that no intelligence agency in the world suddenly demands money for illegal activities by suddenly withholding information from a personal computer.

3. Encrypt Ransomware

Now let's come to the main accused. This type of malware is actually very dangerous. Even the most powerful cybersecurity system can be instantly crippled by such malware attacks. The specialty of this malware is that once this malware enters your computer, it first encrypts every file on the computer's drive. To put it bluntly, it locks the files so that no one but cybercriminals can open those files. And demands money in the end. Diameter! Once a file is encrypted, no third-party software or antivirus will be able to restore that file. Even after paying, there is no guarantee that the cybercriminals will return all your files to Sahih-Salamat.

How do Ransomeware attacks

Ransomware can enter a computer's system in a variety of ways. But the most common way is Malicious Spam. One morning you saw a new email message. You quickly go to your Gmail account and check that email without delay. Email can have a file attachment, in the form of a PDF or Word document, or a social media link. As soon as you open the file or link, all the files on your computer will slowly start to be encrypted. These mallspams can fool us using social engineering. Many times I click on various links without seeing anything on Facebook. Even so, owning one is still beyond the reach of the average person.

Malvertising is another way to spread ransomware. The full form of malware advertising is malware advertising. With the help of this malware, ransomware spreads through various websites. One of the scariest aspects of this is that you don't have to click on any link or ad to get infected with malware. It may be that, even after safe browsing, you are becoming a prisoner of malware.

Mac Ransomware

Apple's Mac operating system has no equal to the world's most powerful cybersecurity system. But this Mac has not been freed from the clutches of ransomware. In 2016, the first ransomware for the Mac operating system was released. An app called KeRanger enters the Mac operating system and assumes a very inactive shape. In this case, even Mac OS's own security system can not detect it. For 3-4 days this malicious app copies all the files of Mac to its own database and finally start encrypting. If the Mac blocks this encryption, the app will delete the data. Shortly after the uproar, Apple's software security team tied the knot around their waists and stepped in to fix it, and they quickly added a security feature to a new update to their operating system called XProtect.

Fig: malwarebyteslabs

What to do if infected with a virus

"Is there anything you can do if you're ever infected with the most talked-about ransomware?"

Ans: In fact, there is no guarantee that you will get rid of it completely if you are infected with ransomware. Although some steps can be taken to recover lost information.

Here's what to look for and tactics to help ease the way-

Rule number one is that money can never be paid to Ransom (maker of Ransomware). Because it is a crime under any law to demand money by withholding the personal information of others, and by paying that money to Ransom, this crime cannot be condoned at all.
Various decryptor software is available online for free. Although these are not very effective, some files can be retrieved through these decryptors
"Ransomware Remediation" software is available for ransomware as a special type of antivirus. Scanning a computer with this software greatly reduces the risk of ransomware, but there is no guarantee that lost data will be recovered.
If at some point you notice that your computer has suddenly become too slow and the file is being uploaded from the computer somewhere else, the computer should be shut down immediately or the computer's Internet connection should be disconnected for a while.

How to safe and avoid Ransomware and what to do

Always update the computer operating system. When such security risks are removed, the makers of the operating system come up with a solution very quickly. These patches are open to the customer with their next update.
It is better to keep urgent and urgent files in the online drive. Because it is much safer to keep files online on these powerful servers than on your own computer. Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive are notable.
Every month new updates of antivirus come. Every computer should have the latest updated antivirus. Real-time protection and web browsing protection from security measures like Windows Defender are always on, even if you don't use antivirus.

At any time, ransomware can appear with new malware. So the time has come to try your best with cybersecurity, to warn others