Ransomware on the rise

The malware looking to make a few bucks.

Ransomware, a type of malicious software or designed to extort the victim, may have only started making headlines recently, but it’s been around for over a decade. These ‘cryptoviral’ attacks lock down the victim’s computer or mobile device and demand payment in exchange for decrypting the data. In this sort of attack, infected files themselves are often replaced with the ransom letter, giving instructions as to how the victim can unlock their files. Lockscreen ransomware is immediately obvious to the victim, as the screen is taken over by a single window that blocks the owner from using their device until the stated demands have been met. Ransomware sometimes threatens to upload the victim’s data to the internet in what is referred to as a ‘cryptoviral leakware attack’. Attacks can also target your computer’s Master Boot Record (MBR), disrupting its startup booting sequence.

In most instances, once the ransom has been paid, the author of the malware follows through and releases the hostage device. However, we cannot stress enough the importance of backups, as this turns any malware attack from a potential disaster into a mere inconvenience on your part.