new crypto locker makes its victims spread the virus

Hackers can customize these scripts to locate specific types of data, such as financial information or personal details, and restrict access to them until the user makes payment. Unlike lockerware, cryptoware penetrates deeper into the computer system and encrypts valuable information stored within. Lockerware is old-fashioned these days, and it’s less effective than the newer types of attacks. Usually, this type of ransomware is paired with a phony “federal authority” interface that makes unsuspecting users believe they violated some law and have to pay a fine as restitution.

The hackers will restrict system access but leave just enough functionality to allow their victims to enter financial data into the platform in exchange for the system’s release. This type of ransomware “locks” a computer’s interface while (usually) leaving the underlying system untouched. Of course, ransomware has evolved since then into more challenging and disruptive types of attacks. Reports as far back as 1989 describe Trojan viruses (passed through floppy disks!) that attacked and encrypted the root directories of the system.

Of those affected, 77 percent were running up-to-date endpoint security.Įven though ransomware has been making headlines in the past few years, it’s not a new attack vector.

The median costs of these attacks came out to $100,000 per affected organization.

Healthcare organizations were the top target of attacks.

54 percent of organizations were affected by some type of ransomware in the past year.In fact, it’s become so streamlined these days that hackers are offering Ransomware-as-a-Service toolkits online that let nearly anybody launch a ransomware attack on their own.Īnd worst of all, traditional security best practices aren’t enough to stop it. It’s a type of extortion that’s becoming extremely common due to how lucrative it can be-and how simple it is to implement. Users open the door to these attacks by viewing illicit emails, downloading infected applications, or visiting compromised websites.

Ransomware is a type of cybercrime where hackers gain access to a system, shut it down, and demand a ransom (most commonly made through cryptocurrency) to restore access.

New crypto locker makes its victims spread the virus