Ransomware virus is a type of software that holds a person’s personal data hostage and demands a ransom in exchange for access to their own information. This vicious sort of virus attacks a computer and not only ceases the individual’s control over all its data but also threatens the user to leak their personal information to unwanted channels. This type of software is also considered as a malware. Malware is created with the intent of causing harm to the computer, internally or even externally, disabling it from being able to defend its system.
Ransomware typically uses a Trojan to breach the computer’s security. Then it latches onto the mainframe of the computer, taking over its hard disk drive. It is believed to have surfaced around the early 2000s and most accurately dated to the year 2002. There has been a recent hike in the number of ransomware cases. A staggering 229% increase in such cases, was recorded in the first half of the year 2018.
With the help of hybrid encryption, the attacker steals the victim’s information when the malware is released. The very process copies the victim’s data onto a symmetric key and relays it to the attacker. Then it is just a matter of blackmailing the victim. These malware software programs are also found in phishing emails. The very reason why one should be secure on the web even while checking their email or just simply browsing. The program shuts off all access to the person’s computer until the ransom is paid. The very object that a person uses to keep their personal data is easily breached by the customer, the outcome of all this is just to force the individual to pay the amount demanded by the attacker.
The virus harms the computer by,
- Partially or fully encrypting the individual’s personal data. That may include personal Identification documents.
- The attackers not only threaten to harm you. But they also pose a threat to do you harm.
- The ransom is also the straight-up proof of blackmailing one with the intent to harm them or their families.
- The attackers are able to attain a lot of knowledge about your daily activities with the help of your own personal data.
How to keep your system safe
It can be difficult to stay safe from these malicious software programs, but a few steps to take care of your own security shouldn’t go amiss. One must always make sure that their activities on the internet are safe and secure. A few guidelines are enlisted below:
- Always making sure that the operating system used by you is the upgraded version. This helps to keep your computer up-to-date with security procedures and new circulating malware.
- Having an Anti-virus is vitally important. When kept updated with the recent malicious programs it enables you to identify them and take the needful steps before any damage is done.
- While installing software one must have full knowledge about the operation of the program and must only give administrative clearance if so.
The threat from such crypto virology has been prolific in the past couple of decades. It is one’s responsibility to take care of their own safety and when the time come they must always consult experts. Check the GandCrab 5.2 removal guide to get rid of GandCrab 5.2 ransomware.
