Ransomware: Overview, Types, Impact, and Prevention Methods

melikenur fazlioglu
4 min readMar 6, 2023

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Introduction

In the digital age, many aspects of our lives are in interaction with the internet and technology. In this context, the damages created by hackers have become increasingly prominent. One of the most prevalent and damaging types of cyberattacks in recent years is ransomware attacks. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts the victim’s files and demands a ransom payment to restore access. This article aims to provide an overview of ransomware, its history, types, impact, and prevention methods.

History of Ransomware

The first known ransomware attack occurred in 1989 when the AIDS Trojan was spread through floppy disks. The Trojan would encrypt the victim’s files and demand a ransom of $189 to be sent to a PO Box in Panama to restore access. The attacker was eventually caught, but this attack marked the beginning of a new type of cybercrime.

Over the years, ransomware attacks have evolved, becoming more sophisticated and lucrative. In 2017, the WannaCry attack affected more than 200,000 computers in 150 countries, causing billions of dollars in damages. The attack exploited a vulnerability in the Windows operating system and demanded a ransom payment in bitcoin to restore access to the encrypted files.

Types of Ransomware

Ransomware can be categorized into two main types: locker ransomware and crypto ransomware. Locker ransomware blocks the victim’s access to their computer, while crypto ransomware encrypts the victim’s files.

Locker ransomware is typically easier to remove since it does not involve the encryption of files. Examples of locker ransomware include the FBI ransomware and the police-themed ransomware, which display a fake message claiming to be from law enforcement and demanding a fine for supposed illegal activity.

Crypto ransomware, on the other hand, is more complex and dangerous. It uses strong encryption algorithms to lock the victim’s files, making them inaccessible without the decryption key. Examples of crypto ransomware include WannaCry, Petya, and Locky.

Impact of Ransomware

Ransomware attacks can have severe consequences for individuals and organizations. The financial costs of a ransomware attack can be significant, including the ransom payment, lost productivity, and recovery expenses. The reputational damage from a successful attack can also be costly, especially for businesses that rely on customer trust.

In addition to financial and reputational damages, ransomware attacks can also put personal and sensitive data at risk. Attackers may threaten to publish or sell the encrypted data if the ransom payment is not made, leading to potential legal and regulatory issues for the victim.

Prevention Methods

Prevention is the best defense against ransomware attacks. Here are some prevention methods to consider:

Back up your data regularly and store it securely. This way, if you fall victim to a ransomware attack, you can restore your files without paying the ransom.

Keep your software up to date. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software, so keeping your software updated reduces the risk of a successful attack.

Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Passwords are a common weak point in security, so using strong passwords and two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection.

Be cautious of suspicious emails and links. Phishing emails and malicious links are common methods used to distribute ransomware, so always be wary of emails and links from unknown sources.

Invest in security software. Antivirus and anti-malware software can detect and prevent ransomware attacks, so investing in robust security software is essential.

Conclusion

Ransomware attacks are a growing threat in the digital age, with devastating consequences for victims. Understanding the history, types, and impact of ransomware is critical in developing effective prevention methods. By regularly backing up data, keeping software up to date, using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, being cautious of suspicious emails and links, and investing in security software, individuals and organizations can reduce their risk of falling victim to a ransomware attack.

“I wrote this article to share knowledge and raise awareness about the importance of understanding and preventing ransomware attacks.”

References

Kharraz, A., Robertson, W., Balzarotti, D., Bilge, L., & Kirda, E. (2018). Cutting the Gordian Knot: A Look Under the Hood of Ransomware Attacks. IEEE Security & Privacy, 16(2), 38–48. https://doi.org/10.1109/MSP.2018.1341017

Kumar, R., & Paul, S. (2019). Ransomware attacks: Review, analysis, and mitigation techniques. Computers & Security, 83, 139–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cose.2018.11.001

Roberts, M. (2017). WannaCry ransomware attack cost the NHS £92m. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-40416611

U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2020). Ransomware. https://www.cisa.gov/ransomware

CERT NZ. (2021). Ransomware. https://www.cert.govt.nz/individuals/explore/cyber-security-threats/ransomware/

U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2021). Ransomware. https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber/ransomware

Symantec. (2017). WannaCry Ransomware Attack. https://www.symantec.com/blogs/threat-intelligence/wannacry-ransomware-attack

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