What is Ransomware in Digital world and how dangerous it is: An overview

By Abhijit Ranjan
20-11-2023
Technology

Introduction:

The world of today is reliant on technology. The Internet has taken over every industry, including business, entertainment, education, technology, and everyday life. Let’s explore a very dangerous threat to our digital world: ransomware, and discuss exactly what is it and how it is considered very dangerous for the digital world. We no longer need to visit the bank in order to take out cash. You can access the Internet easily on your phone or computer, and you can use net banking or mobile phone banking to complete financial transactions. UPI has advanced to the point where you may now use it to conduct financial transactions. Every organization in the world, no matter how big or little, depends on technology, and its valuable data is kept on servers or in Internet-connected data centers. Data theft and cyber threats are becoming more likely as a result of this. On your PCs or mobile devices, hackers can infect them with malware, viruses, or ransomware, which can damage all of your data on the device.

History of Ransomware:

Ransomware has been around for approx 35 years. The PC Cyborg Virus, often known as the AIDS Trojan, was one of the earliest ransomware attacks ever observed in 1989. Floppy disks were used for its distribution. Despite the fact that it was a simple virus that used symmetric cryptography, victims were required to send $189 to a Panama P.O. box in order to regain access to their systems. It is spreading quickly in the wake of the development of cell phones and the Internet.

What is Ransomware?

Let's know more about ransomware. Malicious software, sometimes known as ransomware, is a kind of software that is created by hackers with the intention of extorting money. Ransomware encrypts the data and files on your computer or Android phone, or even locks it totally. Until the attacker or hacker receives the extorted money, it prohibits you from accessing these files or data. Due to the difficulty in tracking down the victim, attackers typically force them to pay using cryptocurrency, such as bitcoins. Your data will be hacked and might be made public on the dark web by the attackers if you do not give them money. Even after the ransom is paid, there's no guarantee that things will return to normal.

Therefore, it is not a good way to pay ransom to the attackers and get rid of this problem due to the followings:

First, there's no guarantee that paying the ransom will release your files; in some cases, the hackers may simply take your money and run off.
Second, even after the ransom is paid, the hackers may still be able to access and infect your computer.
Third, if the ransom is paid, the hackers have the option to move on to more victims because they are aware that there is a chance to profit.
Fourth, by paying the ransom, you might unwittingly be encouraging more illegal activity that the hackers are possibly involved in.
Lastly, by paying the ransom, you run the risk of putting other people in danger as well as yourself because the hackers may use your personal information for identity theft or other illicit purposes.

Types of Ransomware:

Common types of Ransomware are as follows:

Crypto Ransomware: It encrypts your data and files and demands extortion money for decryption.
Locker Ransomware: Lockers prevent you from accessing any of your data or applications and entirely lock you out of the system. The ransom demand is shown on a lock screen, maybe accompanied by a countdown clock to make victims feel compelled to respond.
Scareware: Intimidates victims with false threats to extort money. It is fraudulent software that asks for payment after claiming to have found a virus or other problem on your computer. While some scareware programs really damage files, others just overload the screen with pop-up notifications.
Doxware or leakware: Threatens to release sensitive information if the ransom isn't paid.
Double Extortion: The term "double extortion" refers to a particular kind of cyberattack when the attacker encrypts the victim's data and then threatens to make it public unless they get payment in ransom. Because it places the victim in a tough situation—pay the ransom and run the danger of having the data released, or refuse to pay and lose access to the data entirely—this kind of attack is especially successful. Attacks using double extortion have become more common in recent years because they provide attackers with a comparatively simple means of profiting. Since businesses and organizations are more likely to have the financial means to pay the ransom, they are frequently the targets of attackers. Individuals, though, can also be the target.
Ransomware-as-a-service(RaaS): Cybercriminals can conduct ransomware attacks using a type of malware known as ransomware-as-a-service, or RaaS, without having to create or install the software themselves. RaaS vendors usually list their services on dark web forums or marketplaces and receive a cut of the money that victims pay in ransom. RaaS has grown in popularity recently, making it possible for even inexperienced thieves to carry out complex ransomware assaults.
Mobile Ransomware: It can infect your tablet or Android/iOS mobile phones and encrypt your personal data.

Popular Ransomwares Still known:

WannaCry
TeslaCrypt
NotPetya
Sodinokibi
SamSam
Android/Filecoder.C
Android OS/MailLocker.B
Koler.a
SimpLocker
Akira etc.

How Ransomware Gets Into System or Phone?

Ransomware often infects computers or phones by following:

Phishing emails
Downloading software from unknown or un-trusted source
Clicking on unknown links
Third-party websites
Infected USB drive
SMS scams, etc.

Data or Files Generally Affected by Ransomware:

The ransomware looks for files that require encryption on both local and network drives as soon as it activates. It targets files that it deems important to individuals or your business. This includes backup files in the event that data recovery is required. As an illustration, the majority of the files below have ransomware on them:

Microsoft Office: earlier versions as well as .xlsx, .docx, and .pptx files
Image having extensions: .png, .jpeg, .gif
Data: .ai and .sql
Video: .mp4, .avi, and .m4a, etc.

Ransomware and Android Phones:

According to Microsoft's 365 Defender Research Team, Android malware previously used the operating system's SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW feature. This feature would show alerts on Android phones that users couldn't ignore and that required a quick response. Hackers also used this functionality to display ransom notes.

In order to address this, Google introduced a "kill switch" that allows users of Android OS versions 8.0 and higher to turn off the alert window. Because it only needed one click, users used to frequently forget to grant requests from apps or software to access SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW capabilities. Customers now have to authorize such use through a number of panels, though.

The latest iteration of Android ransomware, according to Microsoft's 365 Defender Research Team, follows these steps:

Creating Notifications: Android ransomware begins constructing a notification containing the ransom note as soon as it infects a device. To indicate that a notification is critical and needs additional permissions, use the setCategory("call") function.
Grabbing the Screen: The alert is stored in the GUI, and when the user clicks on it or any other pre-defined trigger, the ransomware notice window is pushed by the setFullScreenIntent() function of the API.
Preventing users from accessing the system: As soon as the ransom snippet shows up on the screen, it stops the Android device's onUserLeaveHint() function from working. This suggests that even if users click the back button, they won't be able to exit the snippet. There won't be any other phone functionality visible on the main screen; only a ransom note will remain visible on the top screen.

Consequences of Ransomware Attack:

Even Apple products like iPads, iPhones, Macs, and MacBooks can also be infected by ransomware, despite their amazing security features. Cyberattacks using ransomware are disastrous. They may result in the loss of data, monetary harm, or even reputational damage to a business. The difficult choice of whether to pay the ransom or try to retrieve their data through alternative means is often placed before victims.

Things To Do In Case Of Ransomware Attack?

Paying ransom is not suggested by experts. Let’s discuss what to do if ransomware attacks your computer system or Android or iOS phones.

Cut off the compromised device from the network: As soon as possible, cut off the compromised phone or system from all networks and wireless internet. Attackers use networks and wi-fi to spread malware or ransomware. Remove the SIM card from your phone as well if it's infected. This will stop infections from spreading to other devices. Avoid attempting to transfer an infected device's backup to another one.
Use Online Decrypting Tools: Using a variety of commercially available programs such as ID Ransom, Crypto Sheriff, BitDefender, and so on, you should attempt to identify the kind of ransomware being used. Once you have this information, attempt to decrypt the data using an online decrypting tool that is commercially available. Some of them are:

Avast
QuickHeal
Kaspersky etc.

In the case of mobile phones, in addition to the previously mentioned actions, you can also use Restore Factory Settings and reinstall the OS if your phone has become infected. Remove the SIM card.

Lodge Report before Cybercrime Prevention Department:

You should always report to the concerned department against Ransomware attack which will be helpful to stop such type of Cybercrime.

How to Prevent Your System From Ransomware Attacks?

Here are some essential steps to safeguard your digital life against ransomware or malware:

Taking regular backups is necessary: In order to restore your data without having to pay a ransom, always make regular backups.
Use good security antivirus or anti-malware: Always install good antivirus and anti-malware software on your system to avoid this type of issue. Some good Anti-virus programs are AVG, McAfee, BitDefender, Nortan, etc.
Don’t open un-trusted emails: Don’t open suspicious and unknown email attachments or links. You should always validate the sender's authority before that.
Software update is required: Keep your operating system and software updated to patch vulnerabilities.
Don’t use infected USB or Pen drives: You should always avoid using others’ pen drives or USB drives, as these may be infected.
Downloading software from a trusted source: Always download your software from a trusted and renown source. The use of modified software or apps should also be avoided.

Latest Android Ransomware Threats:

Some examples of the latest Android ransomware threats are as follows:

Sodinokibi (REvil): This ransomware variant targeted Android devices, encrypting files and demanding a hefty ransom for decryption. It spreads through malicious apps and attachments.
DoubleLocker: A mobile ransomware that not only encrypted data but also changed the device's PIN, rendering it nearly unusable.
Cerberus: While initially a banking Trojan, Cerberus evolved into ransomware, locking Android devices and demanding a ransom for unlocking.
This strain of ransomware displayed a full-screen ransom message on Android devices, making it impossible to use the phone.
WannaCry, Mimikatz, and Trozan: These ransomware or malware had infected five servers of AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Science) in the year 2022.

Additional tips:

Be careful about what links you click on and what attachments you download, even if they come from people you know.

Always use strong passwords.

Keep all the software, including the OS, web browser, and antivirus software, updated.

Take backups of your data regularly and store it offline.

Conclusion

At this stage, we can say that ransomware is a significant threat to individuals and organizations as well. However, with knowledge, preparedness, and a proactive approach to cyber security, you can protect yourself from these malicious attacks. Prevention remains the most effective strategy.

FAQs:

1. Tell me about ransomware?

Ransomware is malware that infects your files and data and demands a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. After encryption of your file, you will not be able to access them and you will be demanded ransom by the attackers for its decryption.

2. How do I get infected with ransomware?

Ransomware can be spread in a variety of ways, including through phishing emails, malicious enclosures and websites. It can also be spread through USB drives and other external storage devices.

3. What are the types of Ransomware?

There are many different types of ransomware, but the most common type is crypto-ransomware. Crypto-ransomware encrypts your files using cryptography, making them inaccessible without the decryption key.

4. What can I do to protect system or device from ransomware?

You should do the following:

Update Software regularly
Use a great antivirus and anti-malware program
Being careful about what emails you open and what attachments you download* Avoiding suspicious websites
Always keep a backup of your data and files

5. What to do when my system is infected by ransomware?

If you get inflamed with ransomware, the primary aspect you have to do is disconnect your system from the internet. This will stop spreading it to other devices. You should also try to identify the type of ransomware that you have been infected with. This will help you decide what appropriate action to take.

6. Should I pay the ransom?

Paying the ransom is not a good way. It is not definite that the hackers will decrypt your files, even if you pay them. Additionally, paying the ransom encourages the attackers to continue developing and spreading ransomware.

7. Can I decrypt my files without paying the ransom?

In some cases, it is possible to decrypt your files without paying the ransom. There are a number of free and paid decryption tools available online. However, please note that some ransomware cannot be decrypted.

8. What should I do after my files have been decrypted?

Once your files have been decrypted, you should change all of your passwords and enable two-factor authentication on all of your accounts. You should also scan your computer for any other malware that may be present.

9. What can businesses do to protect themselves from ransomware?

Businesses can take a number of steps to protect themselves from ransomware, including:

Start building security awareness in employees.
Segment their networks.
Multi-factor authentication can be used.
Regularly back up their data

10. What should I do if my business is infected with Ransomware?

If your business is infected with Ransomware, you should contact a cybersecurity expert immediately. They will be able to help you assess the damage and develop a plan to recover from the attack.

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Abhijit Ranjan

Hi friend! I, Abhijit Ranjan, welcome you to this blog article, which is related to ransomware, a big threat to our Digital world.