What is Ransomware and How Does it Work?

November 28th, 2017 by admin

What is Ransomware and How Does it Work?

Ransomware is becoming more and more a part of mainstream vernacular with rise of malicious IT security attacks. However, it is not fully understand and recognized. So, what is ransomware and how does it work? According to Techopedia ransomware is described as "a type of malware program that infects, locks or takes control of a system and demands ransom to undo it. Ransomware attacks and infects a computer with the intention of extorting money from its owner." Ransomware is also referred to as crypto-virus, crypto-Trojan or a crypto-worm.

How Ransomware Works

Ransomware is typically installed in a system through a malicious email attachment, an infected software download and/or visiting a malicious website or link. When the system is infected with ransomware, it is locked down, the user's files are encrypted, or the user is restricted from accessing the computer’s key features. The ransomware will send pop-up windows asking the user to pay a specific ransom to reclaim or reactivate the computer. Moreover, some ransomware-based applications also impersonate or disguise themselves as police or a government agency, claiming that the user’s system is locked down for security reasons, and that a fine or fee is required to reactivate it.

For 30 years, technology has relied on the reactionary approach, unable to keep up with the onslaught of malware, leaving a wake of victims in the path as security companies respond often too late. Approaching this problem from a new angle with new technology can get your endpoints off the chopping block and into a preventive state. Traditional antivirus solutions come with high cost and zero prevention. An effective endpoint security solution must predict and prevent both known an unknown malware to stay ahead of today’s cybercriminals.

"It’s not surprising then that 46% of organizations fell victim to ransomware in the past year." - Richard Melick

Discover More About Ransomware and How to Prevent It

Join our live cybersecurity webinar: "Ransomware - Don't Be the Sacrificial Lamb" on Wednesday, December 6th at 12 pm PDT

Presented By:

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Alex Vega

Director of MSP/Hosting Services at ProTelesis

Alex has over 13 years of experience in developing and leading best-in-class technology companies. He currently serves as Director of Managed Services and Hosting at ProTelesis, ensuring the company delivers its thousands of Managed Services Provider (MSP) customers within global SMB markets.

Brian Robison

Sr. Director of Security Technology at Cylance Inc.

Brian Robison is the Sr. Director of Security Technology at Cylance. He has over a decade of experience in information security and technology, working in various career functions in the industry that have taken him all over the world. His focus is emerging technology and next-generation security.

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Sources Cited: Techopedia.com (What is Ransomware and How Does it Work)

Posted in: Uncategorized, IT Security, Malware, Security