How Ransomware Works ? And 9 most common Ransomware Distribution Techniques !
Ransomware is one of the most powerful, versatile, and devastating branches of malware. Recent ransomware attacks infected several crucial industries such as healthcare, financial system, and other public services. This can cause serious damage to the organizations.
All companies that are popular with hackers around the world, regardless of size, should be concerned about what ransomware can do in their IT environment. They must also work to protect themselves. However, first, it is important to know how it works. So let us get started with a short comprehensive introduction to Ransomware.
How does It work?
Ransomware is defined by how it works, not how it infiltrates networks (e.g. spearfishing). A hacker uses all means at his disposal to introduce his ransomware into the company’s IT environment. Once injected, the ransomware encrypts certain files, parts of the network, or the entire environment, thus preventing access to the victim’s company.
As the name suggests, the responsible hackers send a message to the victim requesting a ransom payment (often in cryptocurrencies, but not always) so that the decryption code can regain access. Usually, they give the victim a deadline to pay the reimbursement: if you do not pay promptly, you can elevate claims or expose yourself to encrypted data (or both).
Ransomware Distribution Techniques
Here are the Most common ransomware distribution techniques that you need to know
- Phishing Email: Click on a link embedded in an email that redirects you to a malicious Web site.
- Email Attachments: Open an email attachment and enable malicious macros, or download an embedded document using a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) or download a ZIP file containing a malicious JavaScript file or Windows Script Host (WSH).
- Social Media: Click on a malicious link on Facebook, Twitter, post on social media, instant messages, etc.
- Malicious Ads: Click on a legitimate ad page that contains malicious code.
- Infected Program: installation of a program or program that contains malicious code.
- Driving Infections: Visit a dangerous, suspicious or fake website; or open or close a pop-up window.
- NOTE! A legitimate web page may be compromised if malicious JavaScript code is inserted into the content of the page.
- Traffic Distribution System (TDS): Click on a link on a legitimate gateway website that redirects the user to a malicious website based on geographic location, browser, operating system, or other traffic filters.
- Self-Propagation: Spreading malware across the network and from USB devices to other devices.
If this is well established, then you will know how ransomware can harm your business. However, ransomware can cause severe damage to an organization that needs to be addressed.
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