Ransom is a type of malware which prevents users from accessing a system, network, personal file, or data and asks for a ransom payment to regain access. Ransomware was developed in 1980, and the payment was made through snail mail. These days’ ransomware payments are made through cryptocurrency or credit card.

How do I get ransomware?

Ransomware can infect a computer or system in different ways; it can get into a computer through malicious spam or mail spam. Malicious spam is an unsolicited email which delivers malware. The email usually contains a link, booby-trapped attachment, PDF, or word documents.

To trick people into opening an attachment, or clicking on a link, Malspam uses social engineering. Such emails or links seems to be from trusted institutions or friends

In 2016, ransomware was spread through malvertising, which is a new way to spread malware through online advertising. The users, while browsing the web, are directed to click on the ad, which is ransomware.

Types of ransomware

Ransomware is of three kinds, scareware, screen locking, and encrypting ransomware.

Scareware

Scareware includes rogue security software and tech support tech. The user may receive a pop-up message which claims that malware has been detected at your system, and the only way to get rid of it is by paying a ransom. In this case, the users are bombarded with pop-up messages, but the files and documents remain safe.

Having legitimate cybersecurity software will protect you from such an attack, and the user does not need to pay a ransom to remove the infection.

Screen lockers

Screen lockers are a type of ransomware which gets into a computer and freezes the access to the entire system. When a screen locker enters a system, a message appears on a full-size screen which seems to be for an official-looking FBI or US Department of Justice. The message usually says that illegal activity has been carried out on your computer system and you have to pay for it. The FBI or other US department will never freeze the computer or ask for a ransom. When such an organization suspects you for illegal activity, they will go through a proper legal channel.

Encrypting ransomware

This is a type of ransomware in which the cyber attackers snatches the file and encrypt them, and demands for payment to decrypt or redeliver them. This most dangerous ransomware because once the attackers get access or hold o the data, no cybersecurity software or system can return them. The only way to get back the data is through paying a huge ransom.