Ransomware threatens the security of you and your devices, but there are other aspects that make this form of malware special. From the word ‘ransom’, you can tell what ransomware is; it is an extortion software that can lock your computer and then demand a ransom for you to get back access to your device and data. As such, this pest has been used for numerous malicious attacks, some affecting the general public and others targeted and individuals for personal reasons.

Ransomware infections occur when first, the malware gains access to your device. There are different types of ransomware, and these different types can either encrypt individual files or the entire operating system based on what the attacker aims to achieve. Once encryption occurs, a ransom is then demanded from the victim, and it can be quite hefty. It is therefore important for you to invest in a high-quality ransomware protection software as well as implement effective network security practices in order to minimize the risk of a ransomware attack.

How to detect ransomware and prevent attacks

The rule of the thumb when it comes to protection against ransomware is; prevention is better than cure. It is therefore imperative to keep your eyes peeled and use the right security software in order to detect ransomware attacks as soon as possible. Performing regular vulnerability scans can also help you to point out intruders in your system.

The first step is to make sure that your computer is not an ideal target for ransomware. You can do this by ensuring that your device is up-to-date so that it can be easy for you to take advantage of the latest security patches and benefit from them. In addition, it is very important to be cautious when opening email attachments or visiting websites.

While being careful is vital, even the best measures can fail. As such, it is important to have a contingency plan. In the case of a ransomware attack, a contingency plan would be to have a backup of your data. Creating backup for your data ensures that the attackers do not have leverage against you unless the data is sensitive and confidential.

Malware is designed to go undetected for as long as possible, so it might be difficult to identify an infection. However, it is important to note that ransomware will often be detected by security software. You may also be able to detect ransomware if:

1. There are changes to file extensions
2. There is increased CPU activity
3. There is unusual and dubious activity on your computer

In order to remove ransomware, you have three options: pay the ransom, reset your computer to factory settings, or find a way to decrypt corrupted files.

Types of ransomware and what they mean for you

There are two main categories of ransomware:

1. Locker ransomware: affects basic computer functions
2. Crypto ransomware: encrypts individual files

The type of ransomware that infects your computer significantly affects your ability to identify it and how you deal with it. Please note that there are numerous varying forms of ransomware within these two main categories. These include WannaCry, Locky, and Bad Rabbit, among others.

History of Ransomware

Since as early as 1989, computer users have been blackmailed in this manner, when a primitive pioneer of ransomware was used. However, the first concrete case of ransomware attacks was reported in 2005 in Russia.

In 2011, there was a dramatic increase in ransomware attacks, and manufacturers of antivirus software started to focus their virus scanners on ransomware, which peaked in 2016. In 2017 however, the WannaCry outbreak occurred and it was highly publicized. It proved that ransomware attacks were possible and profitable, leading to the development of dozens of ransomware variants, which have been used in a variety of attacks.

As ransomware attacks continue to emerge, it is crucial for individuals and companies to invest in network security. This will reduce the development of malware and contribute to a safer digital world. With continued partnership with network security experts, cybercriminals will have no space left to exploit vulnerabilities and benefit from otherwise private information. Computer users should always be on the lookout for ransomware attacks at all times.