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Ransomware encrypts victims' files, restricting users from using their files or documents. It also locks the Computer to prevent normal use and demands a ransom payment to unlock the files.
Ransomware, unlike other cyberattacks, locks away the victims' data and does not steal or destroy it. Ransomware that encrypts data has been the most popular ransomware type.
Ransomware Attack is most commonly transmitted to a network via email attachments, social media networks, or malicious websites.
WannaCry infected computers through email attachments. Then, it used an existing Windows vulnerability, Eternal Blue, to spread within networks.
WannaCry's propagation method is different from other encryption ransomware in that it is not restricted to computers that downloaded the malicious file directly.
Let's break down the encryption ransomware workflow into five steps.
- A user downloads malicious files from a website or email.
- The Ransomware is included in the downloaded file, and it begins to infect the user's Computer.
- If the network is vulnerable, Ransomware can spread to other systems.
- Ransomware will block access to your files in some way. A variety of encryption ransomware will encrypt files across the network using AES256, a unique key.
- Ransomware generates a unique key to each encrypted file (these keys are used to decrypt the files after the ransom has been paid).
Types of Ransomware
- Encryption ransomware
- Ransomware for locking the screen
- Master boot record ransomware
Many people are confused about the various types of Ransomware that can encrypt files and how they work. There are three types of Ransomware currently in use.
However, newer versions may come out with other options. These are the three main types of Ransomware:
Encryption Ransomware
Ransomware locks your files and folders with AES256 keys, making it impossible to access them. The hacker may make the files unrecoverable depending on their motivation.
Encryption ransomware will display a pop-up message stating that the files and folders have been encrypted. You must pay a ransom in order to decrypt them. Wanna Cry used this method to attack its victims.
Ransomware For Locking The Screen
Lock screen ransomware, as the name suggests, locks your screen and demands a ransom. This Ransomware will not encrypt files, but it will block all of your windows.
Once your system has been infected, it will block all access to your windows until the ransom is paid or the hackers remove the attack.
Master Boot Record Ransomware
The master boot record (MBR) is an important part of a hard disk that allows the operating system to start up.
MBR ransomware alters the MBR and interrupts the normal boot process by displaying a demand for ransom on your boot screen.
The Ransomware causes users to be unable to boot their computers until payment is made. This Ransomware threat is the most dangerous of all three ransomware types. Petya ransomware was originally launched as master boot record ransomware.
cyberSecurity professionals discovered it immediately and upgraded Petya to a Wiper variant. This variant will wipe your entire hard drive, leaving you with nothing but a blank slate.
Here Are Some Tips To Help You Avoid Ransomware
Let's now see what to do when ransomware attacks occur. These are six easy steps to help protect your data against cyberattacks.
Inform Users About Phishing Attacks
Cybercriminals can send innocent emails to users to lure them to download attachments that will allow hackers to infect their networks and systems.
Enterprises must educate employees and users about phishing attacks. They should stress that they shouldn't download attachments from random email addresses.
Regularly Backup Your Files
Backups are the best way to protect your data. Ransomware attacks can't disrupt your business operations if you have backups.
Make sure that the backup has read/write access so no one can modify or delete your data. To detect breaches quickly, ensure that you regularly check the status of your backups after they have been backed up.
Your Security Is Yours To Design
To prevent hackers from accessing confidential information, divide your network into micro and macro zones. You can divide your network into macro zones and microzones based on their importance.
Protect your servers better than the least important users' computers and devices.
Use Deception Technology
Deception technology can be used to protect your data from potential breaches/potential threats. The practice of using deception technology to confuse hackers by deploying a decoy device outside your firewall is called deception technology.
Your mobile security team can use deception technology such as honeypots to identify threats based upon multiple breaches at once without having to compromise your confidential data. Your organization can then defend itself against the attack once it has identified the threat.
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Patch Your Operating System Regularly
Even with all of the security measures in place, your network could still be vulnerable to ransomware attack surface, even if your operating system is up-to-date.
You must ensure that your Windows, Mac, or Linux operating systems are up-to-date in order to avoid Ransomware. To stay safe, deploy missing patches immediately.
Keep Your Third-Party Apps Up To Date
You should also ensure that third-party apps are up to date. Hackers can exploit a vulnerability in Adobe Photoshop's design department to infiltrate other systems and breach your network.
Don't leave any holes unattended.
Ransomware Variants That Are Popular
There are several ransomware variants, each with unique traits. Certain ransomware organizations stand out because they are more prosperous and successful than others.
Ryuk
A targeted ransomware version is called Ryuk.
Spear phishing emails are frequently used to spread this malware. Moreover, it may be used to steal user credentials needed to access corporate computers via the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
After infecting a computer, Ryuk encrypts files that are not essential to its functionality. After that, he wants a ransom.
One of the most costly ransomware programs is Ryuk, which is well-known. Ryuk is renowned for requesting over $1 million in ransom.
Cybercriminals from Ryuk target businesses that have the funds to comply with their demands for ransom payments.
Maze
The Maze ransomware is renowned for being the first type of Ransomware that combines data theft and file encryption.
As the victims rejected the demands for ransom, Maze started to gather private information from their computers. If the ransom demands aren't satisfied, this data may be auctioned or made public. The risk of an expensive data leak was also employed as a motivator.
The Maze ransomware organization has reportedly stopped operating. The threat posed by Ransomware does not go away as a result.
The Egregor ransomware is now used by several Maze affiliates. There may be a single source for the variations of Egregor, Maze, and Sekhmet.
REvil (Sodinokibi)
The REvil group, commonly known as Sodinokibi, is a different ransomware strain. Large organizations are its goal.
The most well-known ransomware family online is REvil. The ransomware organization has been run by the Russian-speaking REvil collective since 2019.
Large breaches like "Kaseya" and "JBS" were caused by it.
Throughout the years, Ryuk has contested the title of most costly ransomware variation. REvil has been reported to seek $800,000 in ransom payments.
Although REvil started out as a ransomware variation, it has evolved over time.
Using the double extortion method, they may take data from companies and encrypt the files. To put it another way, hackers can demand a ransom to unlock the data.
They can threaten to reveal stolen data if a second payment isn't made.
Lockbit
The ransomware-as-a-service LockBit has been active since September 2019 and encrypts data (RaaS). To avoid being discovered by IT/SOC teams, this malware was created to swiftly encrypt big enterprises.
DearCry
Microsoft fixed vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange servers by releasing four updates in March 2021. A ransomware strain called DearCry takes advantage of four newly found holes in Microsoft Exchange.
Several file formats can be encrypted by the Ransomware DearCry. When encryption is complete, DearCry will show a ransom notice instructing customers to write an email requesting help in decrypting their data.
Lapsus$
A South American ransomware group called Lapsus$ has been connected to hacks on prominent targets. The cyber risk gang is widely known for its extortion and threatens to reveal vital information if its victims don't cooperate.
They brag about hacking into Nvidia, Samsung, and Ubisoft. The gang used stolen source codes to cloak malware files as legitimate ones.
Ransomware: How it Works
To be effective, Ransomware has to be able to enter a target system and encrypt files there. The victim will then be asked for a ransom payment.
Although ransomware versions may differ in the specifics of how they are implemented, they all follow the same three basic steps.
- Step 1
Like other software, Ransomware may be utilized in a variety of ways to access a company's systems. Operators of Ransomware favor a few infection routes.
Email phishing is one instance. Malicious emails may contain an attachment containing a downloader or a link to a website hosting a malicious download.
If the email recipient falls for the hoax, Ransomware will download it to their PC.
Another well-liked method of getting Ransomware on your Computer is through Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). An intruder can get remote access to a computer on a corporate network by using the remote desktop protocol (RDP).
The virus can then be downloaded and run immediately on the system under the attacker's control.
There's always the chance that someone else will try to directly infect your machine as WannaCry did with the EternalBlue flaw.
Many systems can get infected by Ransomware.
- Step 2
After Ransomware has taken over a machine, it might begin encrypting the files on it. This is accomplished by simply reading files and encrypting them using a key under the control of the attacker.
The original files can then be used in lieu of the encrypted versions. In order to preserve system stability, ransomware versions typically exercise caution when selecting which files to encrypt.
Some ransomware variations may additionally erase these files to make it harder to retrieve the key without a backup or shadow copy.
- Step 3
After file encryption is complete, Ransomware has the ability to demand payment. Many varieties of Ransomware have different ways of accomplishing this.
Yet it's normal practice to alter the wallpaper to show a ransom note or to insert text files into encrypted folders with ransom notes. Often, these ransom letters demand payment in bitcoin in order to unlock the victim's files. Depending on whether the ransom has been paid, the operator of the Ransomware will either deliver a copy or a copy of the symmetric encryption keys.
With the use of decryptor software (also sold by hackers), user files can be recovered and reverse encryption performed.
All ransomware variants follow these three phases consistently; however, distinct malware may use various implementations or extra processes.
Before encrypting data, ransomware variations like Maze examine files, gather registry data, and steal data. Other devices that could be attacked and encrypted by the WannaCry Ransomware are also scanned for by WannaCry.
How Do I Remove Ransomware?
Ransom messages are not something that anyone would like to see on their computers. They indicate that Ransomware has been successful.
An organization can take steps to address an active ransomware infection.
How to Avoid an Active Ransomware Infection
Ransomware attacks that are successful are only detected when data encryption has been completed, and a ransom note is displayed on infected computers' screens.
The encrypted files may not be recoverable at this point. However, you should take immediate steps to restore them.
- Certain varieties of Ransomware may attempt to spread to other linked discs, thus quarantining the machine. By denying access to other targets, you can prevent the propagation of malware.
- Keep the Computer On An unstable computer may result from encryption. A computer might also lose volatile memory if it is turned off. Keep the Computer on to increase your chances of recovering.
- Create a backup since certain ransomware variations can be unlocked without paying a ransom. Save a backup copy of the encrypted contents on a portable drive in case a future fix is found, or the files cannot be decrypted.
- Look for decryptors: To see whether there is a free decryptor, see the No More Ransom Project. Make sure the decryptor is operating on a copy before attempting to see if it can be used to recover encrypted data.
- Requesting Assistance Computers occasionally save backup copies of the files they have already stored. A digital forensics specialist might be able to recover these backups if the infection hasn't already destroyed them.
- Cleanse and restore. Restore your Computer using a backup or a fresh installation of the operating system. By doing this, you can be confident that your device is free of malware.
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Who Is A Potential Target Of Ransomware?
Attackers using Ransomware have a variety of options for selecting the businesses they intend to target. Sometimes, it's all down to luck: For instance, because colleges have a broad user base and fewer security resources than other types of organizations, attackers may choose to target them.
They may breach their defenses more easily as a result.
On the other side, certain businesses make more alluring targets because they appear more eager to quickly pay a ransom.
For instance, access to files is frequently needed right away by governmental organizations and healthcare facilities. Some law firms and other sensitive companies could be ready to pay the price for remaining silent about a vulnerability since they may be more vulnerable to leakware assaults than other organizations.
However, don't think you are safe if your information doesn't match these criteria. Ransomware can spread automatically and randomly across the internet.
Facts And Figures About Ransomware
It's a massive business, Ransomware. The market for Ransomware is huge. From the start of this decade, the market has expanded quickly.
In 2017, ransomware attacks cost $5 billion in damages, including the ransom paid, as well as the lost time and money necessary to recover from the assaults. This is a 15-fold increase over 2015! In the first quarter of 2018, just the SamSam ransomware was employed. Ransom money of $1 million was obtained.
Some marketplaces pay ransom, while others use Ransomware more frequently. Hospitals and other medical facilities have been the target of ransomware attacks that have been effective in high-profile situations.
Attackers are aware that certain companies are more likely than others to settle the issue for a little ransom. Healthcare businesses are at serious risk from Ransomware. Nonetheless, it's estimated that just 45% of ransomware assaults target medical institutions.
Another profitable sector? The financial services business is another wealthy industry. Here is "where the money is," as the late Willie Sutton eloquently put it. According to estimates, ransomware attacks hit 90% of financial institutions in 2017.
You won't always be protected by your anti-malware application. Anti-virus software may not always recognize ransomware signs since its developers are constantly updating it.
Up to 75% of firms might become infected with Ransomware.
It's not as frequent now to encounter Ransomware. Although ransomware attacks were still highly prevalent in the middle of the decade, the good news is that they have been on the decline.
60% of malware payloads during the first quarter of 2017 were caused by ransomware assaults. That is now barely 5%.
Ransomware In Decline
Why is the drop so significant? The cybercriminal made this option based on bitcoin being their preferred form of payment.
Getting ransom money from victims is difficult. They could choose not to pay, or they might lack the necessary bitcoin knowledge.
The decrease in Ransomware, according to Kaspersky, is a positive development. However, the prevalence of malware that mines cryptocurrency has increased.
This makes use of the victim's Computer's computational capabilities by infecting it (or mine in cryptocurrency parlance). This is a creative approach to getting bitcoin using other people's resources. It has grown more appealing since the rise in bitcoin values in late 2017 since it avoids many of the issues related to collecting a ransom.
This does not, however, mean that the danger has vanished. Attackers using Ransomware come in two varieties. The first is a "commodity" assault that uses sheer volume to try to infect machines at random.
Platforms for "ransomware as a service" can be rented by criminals. The second type of assault targets specific companies or market sectors. If you fall into the latter category, you should remain cautious even when the ransomware surge is gone.
Throughout the course of 2018, the price of bitcoin has decreased, which may allow attackers to change their cost-benefit calculations.
Steve Grobman, chief technology officer of McAfee, asserts that employing crypto-mining malware and Ransomware might be a wise economic move. "It's common to observe a move back to Ransomware as bitcoin values decline.
Do You Have To Pay The Ransom Money?
Should you pay a ransom if malware has infected your computer and you have lost crucial data that you are unable to recover from a backup?
The vast majority of law enforcement organizations advise against paying ransomware hackers. This is so that hackers would only be motivated to produce more Ransomware.
When a business has malware, many of them find it challenging to conceive in terms of the "greater value" and instead begin to do cost-benefit studies. This entails comparing the value of the encrypted data against the ransom demand. According to a study by Trend Micro, only 66% of businesses really pay the ransom when they are attacked, despite 66% of them claiming they wouldn't get out of moral conviction.
Attackers that use Ransomware keep the cost modest, often ranging from $700 to $1,300. Companies can afford to pay this fee in a short period of time.
The location of the infected machine may be determined by smart software, which can then change the ransom to take into account the local economy. Businesses in wealthy nations will pay more than those in underdeveloped nations.
Work quickly to obtain reductions so that victims may pay right away without giving it much thought. The price is often set at a position where it is both expensive enough for criminals to justify paying it and low enough for victims to afford it without having to spend extra to restore their Computer or reconstruct the data.
Several businesses have started including ransom payments in their security strategies. For instance, big UK businesses that aren't into cryptocurrencies may have some Bitcoin on hand for ransom payments.
Remember that you are interacting with criminals. It's conceivable that the Ransomware that seems to have encrypted your files hasn't done so.
Be sure you don't deal with "scareware" before sending money to anyone. You cannot be certain that you will get your files back if you pay the attackers. In certain cases, crooks will just grab your money and flee.
They might not even have given the virus encryption process capabilities. Gary Sockrider, the chief security technologist at Arbor Networks, thinks that between 65 and 70% of the time, the criminals get through, and your data is recovered.
Nevertheless, any infection of this sort will rapidly develop a reputation and not produce cash.
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What Can CISIN Do To Help?
A custom-built engine is used by the cisin Anti-Ransomware technology to defend against complex, elusive zero-day ransomware variants.
Moreover, it safely restores encrypted data, ensuring productivity and business continuity. The usefulness of this technique is continually being demonstrated by our research team, who routinely get good results in attack detection and mitigation.
The most widely used endpoint protection and response tool from Cisin is Harmony Endpoint. Technology to combat Ransomware is included.
It also offers protection for web browsers and endpoints by utilizing Cisin's network security, which is the best in the business. For all malware attack vectors, Harmony Endpoint offers comprehensive, real-time cyber Security protection and cleanup.
This enables workers to do their jobs without risking their safety or their productivity, wherever they may be.
