What is Ransom Malware: 15 Minute Series

With the recent global cyberattack that used Ransom Malware (ransomware), such as WannaCry or Wanna Decryptor (1) . I figured that my reading audience needs to understand how this type of malware works. Remember, I've always said, knowledge means understanding and understanding means power.

So, let's begin.

1. Ransomware starts with you opening an email from an unknown source, that tricks you to download a file or click on a link to a website
2. Once you do that you are allowing the ransomware to look at your computer's defense system to determine if it is up-to-the-minute perfect.
3. According to the WSJ, "The ransomware encrypts important files on the system and then demands a ransom payment using . . . bitcoin."
4. The WannaCry Ransomware uses a Microsoft Window flaw to replicate itself and spread around the computer network. (2)

According to the WSJ, in an article by Thomas Loftus, called "Failure to Update Software Made Firms Vulnerable," (May 13-14, 2017), ". . . companies can fall dangerously behind the curve if they don't stay up-to-date with vital software patches." In this case, it was almost less than a month that left an open window to cause damage to England's National Health System, FedEx and Brazil's social security system.

What About Individual's Personal Computer System?

"The individual may have an edge over businesses, given the demands of corporate procedures and the need to keep operations running in the midst of potentially distracting changes."(3)

Loftus says that too many companies wait too long to update their patches, which he says should be incorporated as soon as they are available. Chris Wysopal, co-founder and chief technology officer of Veracode, says, "Eight weeks is plenty of time for a criminal organization to develop a sophisticated attack on software and launch it on a wide scale." (4)

While initially popular in Russia, the use of ransomware scams has grown internationally; in June 2013, security software vendor McAfee released data showing that it had collected over 250,000 unique samples of ransomware in the first quarter of 2013, more than double the number it had obtained in the first quarter of 2012. (5)

Check out this link: https://www.top10bestantivirus.com/ransomware-protection

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(1) Wall Street Journal, May 13-14, 2017, Front Page: "Hackers Launch Global Assault."

(2) Wall Street Journal, source: Staff Reports, May 13-14, 2017.

(3) Ibid.

(4) Ibid.

(5) Ransomware. (2017, May 13). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 19:24, May 13, 2017, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ransomware&oldid=780233172