What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a cyber crime that encrypts the victim’s data so that it can be held at ransom. The user or business cannot access their files, databases, or applications due to the encryption, and the hacker will demand a ransom so that they can regain access.

Paying the ransom, however, does not guarantee that users will regain access to their valuable information and leaves the victim at the mercy of their hacker.

Ransomware can paralyse entire organisations, disabling their operations and leaving their sensitive data in a vulnerable position.
 

 

Why Are Ransomware Attacks Becoming More Common?

 

Ransomware is a growing threat and generates billions of pounds in ransom payments to cybercriminals, and causes major damage to businesses and individuals who fall victim to these attacks.

Ransomware marketplaces have polluted the internet, and provide cybercriminals a range of malware strains, usually in exchange for a percentage of the ransom fee.

Ransomware attacks are evolving to counter preventive technologies, allowing cybercriminals to launch these attacks more easily. New techniques are also leading to a spike in malware attacks, and include practises such as encrypting complete disks instead of selected files.

Malware kits are easy to obtain and enable hackers to create new malware variants on demand. Cross-platform ransomware can also be created using generic interpreters, allowing cybercriminals to launch their attacks on more than one platform.

 

What Is Ransomware-As-A-Service (RaaS)?

 

Ransomware-as-a-service is an illegal business model where malware developers sell their wares to non-technical cybercriminals, allowing them to earn money without running the risk of launching a ransomware attack. Sellers will often sell this malware at a percentage of the ransom proceeds, leaving the buyer to do the work.

Some ransomware-as-a-service models operate on a subscription basis while others may require registration before individuals can gain access to the ransomware.

 

What Makes A Target Attractive To Ransomware Attackers?

 

There are a few factors that make certain individuals and businesses more attractive to ransomware attackers than others. These factors include:

• Using outdated devices or using a device with outdated software.
• Using vulnerable browsers or operating systems.
• The lack of adequate back up plans and measures.
• Insufficient cybersecurity measures, such as the lack of a VPN or antivirus.

 

How To Keep Your Data Safe From Ransomware

 

Keeping your data safe from ransomware largely involves securing your device. This includes regularly updating system software, setting up and performing backups, taking cybersecurity measures such as installing a VPN and antivirus software, implementing access controls and setting up multi-factor authentication.

 

 

What Does A VPN Do To Secure Your Device?

 

VPNs offer many benefits, the most important being additional security against hackers. Whether you’re using the internet, streaming content, or conducting online transactions, using a VPN can decrease the risk of falling victim to cyber attacks. VPNs secure your device in the following ways:

 

VPNs Keep Your Privacy Safe On Public Wi-Fi

 

Free Wi-Fi can be a significant security risk as it’s nearly effortless for hackers to gain access to Wi-Fi signals and steal your personal data. They can also inject malware and ransomware into your device, enabling them to take control of it.

A VPN prevents this from happening since it encrypts your data, which makes it impossible for potential hackers or eavesdroppers to read it.

 

A VPN Hides your IP Address

 

VPNs hide your IP address and make your whereabouts, in both the physical world and the digital world, undetectable to hackers and cybercriminals. This helps protect your home network and any websites or digital assets you have access to that could be traced and exploited by cybercriminals.

 

A VPN Protects Your Device From Cyber Attacks

 

Through encrypting your data and hiding your IP address, a VPN makes it considerably more difficult for hackers to attack your devices and gain access to your personal data.

It prevents hackers from launching attacks on your devices including, malware infections and ransomware, cookie theft, fake Wi-Fi hotspots, and man-in-the-middle attacks.

Ransomware can be summarised as an illegal strategy used by cybercriminals that encrypts the data of their victims so that it is inaccessible to them, and requires a ransom for the criminal to provide a decryption key so that victims can (hopefully) regain access to their data.

It is absolutely necessary that businesses implement security measures and follow best practises to prevent their data from being compromised. This includes installing a reliable VPN and antivirus software, backing up data and keeping the device updated.