Windows and ordinary home & small business users continue to be the biggest victims of ransomware attacks.
Ransomware attack is the cyber threat which engulfs the cyber community like a wildfire now. The malicious software which is a variant of viruses and malware specifically encrypts the victim's files with the code incorporated in the attachment or the link. Once it gets its foothold in the system, it then requests a ransom payment in return, for decrypting the files and folders.An average ransom demand during the last few years, doubled from $294 (£223) at the end of 2015 to $679 (£514), new research from security firm Symantec shows. Japan, Netherlands, Germany, U.K., Italy, Canada, Belgium, India, and Australia are the top 10 nations impacted with ransomware. The US was at the receiving side for more than 31% of the total ransomware attacks.The ransomware market is booming.Moreover, because “Cryptowares” are such a significant contributor to the revenue for cybercriminals, the release of new “products” and new features are critical for them to keep their clients engaged and the money flowing. As a matter of fact, Cryptoware does not require administrator privilege to encrypt your data. Dark Web sees a lot of aggressive campaigns about malware and ransomware specifically, which includes the one with the name “Stampado.” One of the specific characteristics of “Stampado” family of ransomware is that it gives the victim only 96 hours to pay to have their computer unlocked. After 96 hours, data starts disappearing. Moreover, it is entirely undetectable at this point.This dangerous ransomware has become available for $39. Once it infects a computer, Stampadoadds the extension “locked” to all kidnapped files. The best thing we could do in times like this, when antivirus software (the variability and undetectable nature rendering antivirus useless, giving marketing advantage to backup services) has surrendered is to be vigilant while downloading and opening links in email (other vectors, like USB., and file share.The constant ransomware attacks have made us understand why data backup is so important. Unless effective behavioral detection of malware is in place, it is impossible to detect the latest variants of ransomware with traditional AntiVirus software. The effective proactive control against the most recent type of ransomware attack is to have an effective and comprehensive backup for data recovery if you do not want to pay the ransom money. Current ransomware is more naive and opportunistic( simple), and there can be a future with more advanced versions (Advanced Ransomware Threats). So need a good plan for mitigation ( at the user level and for, e.g., institutions like hospitals, and key public organizations.) For, e.g., some of the current versions fail to shred the keys and possible you may circumvent to a certain extent.
