What Is Ransomware and How Does It Work | Free Antivirus Software

Ransomware is a harmful software that is used to block data from computers and servers through the use of some type of encryption. This malware is used by hackers to demand ransoms, usually charged in cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, in order for the data to be released again.

Can Ransomware be considered a virus?

No. Although Ransomware is also malware, it does not have the ability to self-replicate a virus. While the spread of a virus happens spontaneously and without control, Ransomware is malicious code distributed via the Internet that encrypts computer files by exploiting vulnerabilities found in operating systems. As soon as the attack occurs, the hacker demands a ransom payment from the victim to decrypt the data and restore access to the information.

As soon as a computer is infected, the victim receives instructions to pay for the regrowth to obtain the key that decrypts the data. This charge can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars and is required in digital currencies like Bitcoins. In addition to the risk of public disclosure of encrypted information, data may be lost forever if the required payment is not made,   

Most common examples of Ransomware

Although Ransomware has technically been available since the 1990s, it is only in the past five years that it really took off, thanks to new non-traceable payment methods like Bitcoin. Some of the worst attacks are:

1. CryptoLocker, a 2013 attack that launched the modern age of infected ransomware up to 500,000 machines at its peak;
2. TeslaCrypt, which has targeted constant improvements during its reign of terror;
3. SimpleLocker, the first widespread ransomware attack focused on mobile devices;
4. WannaCry, which spreads autonomously from computer to computer using Eternal;
5. Blue, an exploit developed by the NSA, stolen and used by hackers;
6. NotPetya, who also used EternalBlue, was part of a Russian cyberattack against Ukraine;
7. Locky, which started to spread in 2016, "similar in its way of attacking the notorious banking software Dridex".

But after all, how does Ransomware work?

There are a few ways that Ransomware uses to hack computers, but one of the most common is by sending fraudulent emails with harmful attachments masquerading as trusted files. Once downloaded and opened, these emails install a malicious program that controls the victim's computer, especially if the victim has built-in social engineering tools. Some more aggressive forms of Ransomware such as  Petya, also called NotPetya or ExPtr, exploit security holes to infect systems without having to trick users.

Once installed, this type of malware allows the hacker to take various harmful actions inside the victim's computer, but the most common action is to encrypt files on the infected system. 

In some forms of this malware, a message is displayed where the attacker claims to be a police agency, blocking the victims' computers due to the presence of pirated pornographic software, while also demanding the payment of a "fine", perhaps to make victims less likely to report the attack on the royal authorities.

But most attacks are not bothered by this pretense. In another variation of Ransomware known as  Leakware or Doxware, the attacker threatens to disclose confidential data from the victim's hard drive if the ransom is not paid. Since finding this information is a more complicated proposition for hackers, encryption Ransomware remains the most common type of threat.

Are all operating systems susceptible to Ransomware attacks?

Yes. Although many mistakenly think that Ransomware is malware that only affects Windows machines, this is a mistake. Both macOS and Linux are just as susceptible to attacks. Ransomware is spreading rapidly over the internet, and its code is getting more and more sophisticated to attack any operating system. IT experts are already warning companies to prepare for the future impact of the damage this malware can cause.

Thus, despite all the precautions taken against intrusions, all IT infrastructure and computers will always be vulnerable, regardless of the data protection solution used. Therefore, the most recommended practice for protecting computers within companies and homes is data backup. An updated and tested backup will certainly help to protect your information against possible Ransomware attacks.

Who is the main target of the attacks?

There are several ways in which attackers choose organizations most susceptible to Ransomware attacks. Sometimes it's just a matter of opportunity: Invaders can target universities because they know that this type of institution tends to have smaller security teams, in addition to a large user base, which is almost always heterogeneous and shares a large amount of information. files via email.

In addition, other organizations are more tempting targets as they are likely to pay a ransom quickly after receiving threats. Government agencies that need to provide immediate access to their files to thousands of users and law firms with confidential data are just a few examples that organizations can pay the ransom to prevent their data from being blocked or spread through the media.

Although it does not fit into these categories, the risk of attack always exists: As noted, some Ransomware spread automatically and indiscriminately over the Internet.

How to prevent a Ransomware attack on your system

• Some defensive measures can be taken to prevent infection by Ransomware. These measures are, in general, good security practices and, if correctly implemented, improve your defenses against all types of attacks:
• Keep your computer or mobile device operating system up to date. This decreases the chances that hackers will exploit vulnerabilities that have already been resolved;
• Do not install software and give administrative privileges to anyone, unless you know exactly who you are dealing with;
• Install antivirus software that detects malicious programs like Ransomware. Some of these antiviruses prevent new applications from running without authorization, making it difficult for attackers to act;
• And always back up your files, preferably automatically! While not preventing an attack, the backup can prevent significant damage from these types of malware.

Some important steps for removing ransomware are:

• Restart the operating system to safe mode;
• Install a powerful antivirus; you can use Protegent360's free antivirus software as a trial.
• Scan the system to find the ransomware program.

Does Restoring the Operating System Help in Ransomware Removal?

No. When restoring your operating system, only the system files are restored, but the data files remain intact, that is, they are not changed. Since Ransomware is malware that encrypts only data files, it is impossible to remove it just by restoring your system. The encryption performed makes all files like .xls, .doc, etc ... unreadable. Furthermore, if the malware is sophisticated, it will be mathematically impossible for someone to crack it without access to the key that the hacker holds.