What is Ransomware? Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, that threatens to publish the victim's data or perpetually block access...
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, that threatens to publish the victim's data or perpetually block access to it unless a ransom is paid.
Types of Ransomware
Ransomware can be categorized into three main types:
How Ransomware Works
Here's a simple breakdown of the ransomware process:
1. Infection: The ransomware is delivered to the victim's computer, commonly through a phishing scam or a direct download link.
2. Lockdown: Once inside the system, the ransomware will either encrypt files or lock the system.
3. Ransom Demand: A message is displayed to the victim, demanding a ransom to regain access to their system or files.
4. Payment: The victim is instructed to pay, usually in cryptocurrency, to receive the decryption key.
The Impact of Ransomware
Ransomware can cause significant damage to both individuals and organizations. Some potential impacts include:
Ransomware Prevention
Preventing ransomware involves a multi-faceted approach:
Understanding what ransomware is and how it works is the first step in protecting yourself and your organization from these potentially devastating attacks. Remember: Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to cybersecurity.