What is a ransomware attack?
A ransomware attack is a type of malicious software (malware) that infects a computer and restricts access to it, demands a ransom to be paid in order to regain access, and threatens to delete or publish the victim’s data if the ransom is not paid.
Ransomware attacks usually start with a phishing email that tricks the user into clicking on a malicious link or attachment that downloads and installs the malware on the victim’s computer. Once the ransomware is installed, it will often encrypt important files on the computer and display a ransom note demanding payment in order to decrypt the files.
Some ransomware will also threaten to delete or publish the victim’s data if the ransom is not paid, which can be a powerful motivator for many people to pay the ransom. However, it is important to note that there is no guarantee that paying the ransom will actually decrypt your files or prevent your data from being published, so it is always important to exercise caution and consult with a cybersecurity professional before deciding whether or not to pay the ransom.
There have been a number of high-profile ransomware attacks in recent years, such as the WannaCry and NotPetya attacks that affected thousands of computers around the world. Ransomware attacks can be very costly for businesses and individuals, so it is important to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect your computer from being infected.
How does malware spread?
Malware, including viruses, worms, Trojans, and spyware, can spread in a number of ways. One common method is for an attacker to send an email with an infected attachment to a list of addresses. If the recipients have their email software configured to automatically open attachments, the malware on the attachment will be executed as soon as the email is opened. The malware can then infect the computer and potentially spread to other computers on the same network.
Another common method for malware to spread is via removable media such as USB drives. If a USB drive is infected with a virus, any computer that the USB drive is plugged into will also become infected. This is why it’s important to only plug in USB drives from trusted sources.
Malware can also spread through websites that have been compromised by attackers. These websites may host malicious code that will infect your computer if you visit them. This type of malware is typically referred to as a “drive-by download.”
Infected advertising on websites is another way that malware can spread. Attackers can create malicious ads that, when clicked, will download and install malware on your computer. This type of malware is known as “malvertising.”
Finally, malware can also spread through networks, either through wired or wireless connections. If one computer on a network is infected with malware, the malware can spread to other computers on the same network. This is why it’s important to have a firewall configured and to make sure that all computers on a network have up-to-date antivirus software installed.
We used malwarezero.org to write this article about malware. Click here to learn more.