Description: Gaining access via ransomware involves the use of malicious software that encrypts files on a system and demands payment, usually in cryptocurrencies, to provide the decryption key. This type of attack not only seeks to gain economic benefit but can also serve as a tool to access sensitive information or disrupt an organization’s operations. Attackers often infiltrate networks through phishing emails, software vulnerabilities, or by using trojans. Once the ransomware is activated, the user’s files become inaccessible, and a ransom note is presented detailing the payment instructions. This method has evolved over time, and attackers have begun to implement more sophisticated tactics, such as data theft before encryption, to increase pressure on victims. Gaining access via ransomware is an alarming phenomenon in the field of cybersecurity, as it affects not only individuals but also businesses and government entities, causing significant financial losses and reputational damage. The increasing prevalence of these attacks has led to a rise in investment in cybersecurity measures and awareness of the importance of data protection.
History: Ransomware has its roots in the 1980s, with the first known case, ‘PC Cyborg’, which encrypted files and demanded a payment of $189. However, it was in the 2010s that ransomware became a significant threat, with notable attacks like CryptoLocker in 2013, which affected thousands of users and organizations. Since then, ransomware has evolved, with variants like WannaCry and NotPetya, which not only encrypted data but also spread rapidly across networks, causing widespread havoc.
Uses: Ransomware is primarily used to extort individuals and organizations, forcing them to pay to regain access to their data. It has also been used as an attack tactic in cyber warfare and as a means to destabilize critical infrastructure. Additionally, some cybercriminal groups have begun stealing data before encrypting it, threatening to make it public if the ransom is not paid.
Examples: Notable examples of ransomware include CryptoLocker, which affected thousands of computers in 2013, and WannaCry, which in 2017 paralyzed organizations worldwide, including the UK’s National Health Service. Another case is the ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline in 2021, which resulted in the temporary shutdown of one of the main fuel pipelines in the U.S., leading the company to pay a ransom of $4.4 million.
