Ransomware attacks happen when someone sends you a message asking for a ransom in order to extract money from you. The attack can be used to steal your data or damage your computer.
Ransomware is a type of virus that encrypts files on a user’s computer and demands money in order to release them. There are many types of ransomware, but the most common type is the ransomware that affects Windows computers.
To prevent ransomware attacks, be sure to keep your computer protected by using a well-thought-out security strategy and keeping your data safe.
In this article, we will discuss more details about how ransomware attacks happen.
3 Common Ways Ransomware Attacks Happen & How to Prevent Them
In today’s world, ransomware is one of the most common types of malware. And it’s becoming increasingly sophisticated. So what exactly does it do? What are some ways ransomware attacks happen? And how can businesses prepare themselves for such an attack?
Data on computers, mobile devices, servers, networks, and cloud storage systems are encrypted during a ransomware attack. By encrypting the files, hackers make it impossible to access them without paying a ransom.
Here are three common ways ransomware attacks happen:
Ransomware Attack 1 – Open RDP Ports
RDP attacks are common in organizations of all sizes, which makes them a major risk for businesses. Recent research found that Honda was vulnerable to RDP port ransomware attacks, like 4.6 million other businesses. It affects both large and small organizations. Companies with remote workers who need access to network computers are particularly at risk.
The Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), which is a way to connect securely over the Internet, can use these ports. By opening these ports, attackers could gain full control of the infected machine.
Ransomware Attack 2 – Phishing Emails
The number of successful phishing attacks went up by nearly 30%, according to a report from Proof Point. In addition, the percentage of attacks that resulted in encryption rose to 51%. The reason for this rise is that attackers are increasingly going after businesses instead of individuals.
The use of these credentials is common for stealing money or faking identities.
Last year, 65% of U.S. Companies were victims of phishing attacks, significantly higher than the global average of 55%.
Ransomware Attack 3 – Exploit Kits
This is a collection of tools that help hackers find vulnerable targets. They are often bundled together with malware like ransomware, banking trojans, and botnets. Once a hacker has found a victim, he uses an exploit kit to put his payload on the computer.
The most common exploit kits include Blackhole, Angler, Neutrino, and Magnitude. Ransomware, such as WannaCry and Locky, uses exploits from exploit kits like Angler and Neutrino. A recent study found that the number of active exploit kits increased from 2,500 in 2013 to over 3,700 in 2016.
In May 2017, WannaCry, the biggest cyberattack ever, put ransomware on hundreds of thousands of Windows computers around the world. The ransomware used an exploit called EternalBlue that was stolen from the National Security Agency. This exploit lets hackers take advantage of a weakness in the Windows operating system.
How Do Ransomware Attacks Work?
Ransomware infections can impact any computer, device, or organization. One of the most common way’s ransomware infections work is by encrypting files on the victim’s computer. This makes it hard for the victim to get to their files and hard to get rid of the infection.
In some cases, ransomware attackers may also demand a ransom in order to free the victim from the infection. If paid in full, the victim usually receives a file back that has been reformatted and contains new data.
Once a hacker gains access to a system, he or she may copy the ransomware onto the hard drive. Then, the hackers uses a variety of techniques to spread the virus across the network. For example, he or she could upload the file to a shared folder, email it to contacts, post it to social media accounts, or attach it to an instant message.
How Can I Prevent Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts data on computers and mobile devices. Once it gets on a computer, it locks up files and makes it impossible to get to them unless a ransom is paid. Even worse, once the encryption process begins, there is usually little hope of recovering the original data.
Along with installing anti-malware software and backing up documents, companies must teach their employees what to do if they come across a suspicious email attachment. This includes knowing where to go for assistance and having a plan in place for dealing with such situations.
Companies like Proven Data, which has worked with thousands of clients, can find holes in your security infrastructure and help organizations of all sizes fix them. Ask us today if you want to find out more about how we can help protect you from ransomware and other new cyber threats.
Bottom lines
In conclusion, ransomware attacks can happen in a few different ways. The most common way ransomware attacks happen is by encrypting files and then demanding money in order to unlock them. Another way ransomware attacks can happen is by crashing the computer and requiring a ransom in order to continue using it. Finally, some ransomware infections can also be spread through social media or email attachments.
So, knowing how ransomware attacks happen and how to prevent them is important for all computers and devices.
