Malware that holds a computer system captive until a payment is made to the attacker
Ransomware definedThe idea behind ransomware, a form of malicious software, is simple: Lock and encrypt a victim’s computer or device data, then demand a ransom to restore access. Show
In many cases, the victim must pay the cybercriminal within a set amount of time or risk losing access forever. And since malware attacks are often deployed by cyberthieves, paying the ransom doesn’t ensure access will be restored. Ransomware holds your personal files hostage, keeping you from your documents, photos, and financial information. Those files are still on your computer, but the malware has encrypted your device, making the data stored on your computer or mobile device inaccessible. While the idea behind ransomware may be simple, fighting back when you’re the victim of a malicious ransomware attack can be more complex. And if the attackers don’t give you the decryption key, you may be unable to regain access to your data or device. Knowing the types of ransomware out there, along with some of the dos and don’ts surrounding these attacks, can go a long way toward helping protect yourself from becoming a victim of ransomware. How do ransomware attacks work?Ransomware attacks work by gaining access to your computer or device, and then locking and encrypting the data stored on it. How does this happen? It often happens when victims mistakenly download malware through email attachments or links from unknown sources — which happen to be hackers. Ransomware prevents you from accessing the files stored on your computer. This malicious software essentially holds your files hostage, which can wreak havoc on an extremely broad scale for larger organizations. While a ransom is demanded, there’s no guarantee your data will be restored if you pay that ransom. Even if you pay, the attackers may never give you the decryption key. This makes ransomware tricky to navigate. Who are the targets of ransomware attacks?Ransomware can spread across the internet without specific targets. But the nature of this file-encrypting malware means that cybercriminals also are able to choose their targets. This targeting ability enables cybercriminals to go after those who can — and possibly are more likely to — pay larger ransoms. Here are four target groups and how each may be impacted.
How to help protect against ransomwareThere are steps you can take to help protect your computer and devices against being infiltrated by ransomware. Here’s a list of tips to remember.
What to do if you’re a victim of ransomwareVictims of ransomware attacks have various possible options to get their data back. Here are three:
Can ransomware be removed?Depending on the type of ransomware you’re dealing with, it is possible to remove file encryption ransomware. To do so, consider taking the following steps.
Dos and don’ts of ransomwareRansomware is a profitable pursuit for cybercriminals and can be difficult to stop. Prevention is the most important aspect of protecting your personal data. To deter cybercriminals and help protect against a ransomware attack, keep in mind these eight dos and don’ts.
With new ransomware variants appearing, it’s a good idea to do what you can to minimize your exposure. By knowing what ransomware is and following these dos and don’ts, you can help protect your computer data and personal information against becoming a ransomware target. Frequently asked questions about ransomware
Which type of attack involves holding a computer system captive until you pay to release it?Mobile ransomware is malware that holds a victim's data hostage, afflicting mobile devices -- commonly smartphones. Mobile ransomware operates on the same premise as other types of ransomware, where an attacker blocks a user's access to the data on their device until they make a payment to the attacker.
What type of malware locks up your computer until you pay a fee?Ransomware is a type of malicious software that infects a computer and restricts users' access to it until a ransom is paid to unlock it. Ransomware variants have been observed for several years and often attempt to extort money from victims by displaying an on-screen alert.
What are 4 type of malware attacks?The Most Common Types of Malware Attacks. 1) Adware. Adware serves unwanted or malicious advertising. ... . 2) Fileless Malware. ... . 3) Viruses. ... . 4) Worms. ... . 5) Trojans. ... . 6) Bots. ... . 7) Ransomware. ... . 8) Spyware.. What is the type of virus that locks a target system until a ransom is paid?Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents or limits users from accessing their system, either by locking the system's screen or by locking the users' files until a ransom is paid.
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