Description: Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files and demands a ransom for their release. This malicious software infiltrates computer systems, blocking access to critical data and often displaying a message that demands payment, usually in cryptocurrencies, to restore access. Ransomware can spread through phishing emails, malicious downloads, or software vulnerabilities. Its impact can be devastating, affecting both individuals and organizations, and can result in the loss of valuable data, operational disruptions, and damage to reputation. The nature of ransomware makes it an attractive tool for cybercriminals, as the fear of data loss can lead victims to pay the ransom. Additionally, some types of ransomware have evolved to include features such as data exfiltration, where attackers not only encrypt files but also threaten to publish sensitive information if their demands are not met. This has led to an increase in the sophistication of attacks and the need for more robust defense strategies by cybersecurity teams.
History: Ransomware has its roots in the 1980s, with the first known case, ‘PC Cyborg’, which was distributed in 1989. However, it was in the 2000s that it began to gain notoriety, with variants like ‘Gpcode’ and ‘Cryptolocker’ wreaking havoc on systems worldwide. In 2017, the ‘WannaCry’ ransomware attack affected hundreds of thousands of computers in over 150 countries, highlighting the vulnerability of critical infrastructures and the need for more robust cybersecurity.
Uses: Ransomware is primarily used to extort individuals and organizations by blocking access to valuable data until a ransom is paid. It has also been used as an attack tactic in cyber conflicts, where hacking groups seek to destabilize their opponents. Additionally, some attackers have begun to use ransomware as a service, allowing other cybercriminals to rent the software to carry out their own attacks.
Examples: A notable case of ransomware is ‘WannaCry’, which in 2017 affected thousands of organizations, including the UK’s National Health Service. Another example is ‘Ryuk’, which has been used in targeted attacks on large companies and has generated ransoms in the millions of dollars. ‘Locky’ is another ransomware that spread through phishing emails and encrypted files on computers worldwide.
