What is Ransomware, Why it is Dangerous and How to Protect Yourself

1. What is ransomware and why is it dangerous?
2. Why is ransomware dangerous?
3. What is ransomware protection?
4. What are the risks of ransomware?
5. What are the characteristics of ransomware?
6. How common is ransomware?
7. Does ransomware steal data?
8. What makes ransomware so successful?
9. What happens when ransomware attacks?
10. What is the best ransomware protection?
11. What is the purpose of ransomware?
12. Is Ransomware a crime?

What is ransomware and why is it dangerous?

Why is Ransomware so dangerous? While many other forms of malware and cryptoware tools have existed before, ransomware has some unique components that makes it different from other malware. Ransomware utilizes unbreakable encryption, which makes decrypting affected files impossible or nearly impossible.

Why is ransomware dangerous?

This is the truly nasty stuff. These are the guys who snatch up your files and encrypt them, demanding payment in order to decrypt and redeliver. The reason why this type of ransomware is so dangerous is because once cybercriminals get ahold of your files, no security software or system restore can return them to you.

What is ransomware protection?

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files and folders, preventing access to important files. Ransomware attempts to extort money from victims by asking for money, usually in form of cryptocurrencies, in exchange for the decryption key.

What are the risks of ransomware?

Consequences of a ransomware attack can be severe, and there is no guarantee a user will recover their data, even if they chose to pay the ransom money. On a personal level, an infection can result in financial damage or disclosure of sensitive information.

What are the characteristics of ransomware?

It features unbreakable encryption, which means that you can't decrypt the files on your own (there are various decryption tools released by cyber security researchers). It has the ability to encrypt all kinds of files, from documents to pictures, videos, audio files and more.

How common is ransomware?

Ransomware has become a popular form of attack in recent years growing 350% in 2018. ... 81% of cyber security experts believe there will be more ransomware attacks than ever in 2019. In 2019 ransomware from phishing emails increased 109% over 2017. 21% of ransomware involved social actions, such as phishing.

Does ransomware steal data?

Now, nearly half of ransomware attacks steal data before encrypting systems, which means that ransomware is no longer just a business continuity or disaster recovery response; it is a full cyber security incident response because the attack may very well constitute a data breach if stolen records include protected data ...

What makes ransomware so successful?

1. Lack Of User Awareness: Most of the Ransomware attacks get success because of the lack of knowledge of the victim. Simply users don't know about the threat, its impact, or the ransom they have to pay to get rid of the Ransomware infection.

What happens when ransomware attacks?

Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts a victim's files. The attacker then demands a ransom from the victim to restore access to the data upon payment. Users are shown instructions for how to pay a fee to get the decryption key.

What is the best ransomware protection?

1. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. The best ransomware protection. TODAY'S BEST DEALS. ...
2. AVG Antivirus. Another good defense against ransomware. ...
3. Avast Antivirus. Solid protection against ransomware. ...
4. Webroot Antivirus. Lightweight ransomware protection. ...
5. ESET NOD32 Antivirus. Expert-level antivirus for the more experienced user.

What is the purpose of ransomware?

Ransomware is malicious software with one aim in mind: to extort money from its victims. It's one of the most prolific criminal business models in existence today, mostly thanks to the multimillion-dollar ransoms criminals demand from individuals and corporations.

Is Ransomware a crime?

The new law in California makes the use of ransomware a felony. ... The new law in California makes the use of ransomware a felony that is punishable by up to four years in prison.