Ransomware FAQ
Utilize visual timelines and associated context for automatic response and remediation with Cetas Autonomous Incident Responder.
Ransomware FAQ №1: What is Ransomware?
Answer: A system can be infected with Ransomware, malicious software, if the user clicks on a malicious link.
If the user tries to access the infected computer, they will be locked out until they pay a ransom.
Numerous ransomware variants have been seen in circulation over the last several years, each attempting to blackmail victims into paying a ransom.
This kind of alert often occurs after a user’s machine has been locked or their data has been encrypted.
Users are warned that they will only be able to regain access once a ransom is paid.
People are asked to pay a ransom of $200 to $400, preferably in a digital currency such as Bitcoin.
Nonetheless, there can be significant variation in this figure.
Ransomware FAQ №2: How does a computer become infected with Ransomware?
Answer: Phishing emails that include malicious attachments are a common method of spreading Ransomware, as is drive-by downloading infected files.
Drive-by downloading happens when a person views an infected website without being aware of it.
Then malicious software is downloaded and installed on the user’s computer without the user’s knowledge.
Similar tactics are used to disseminate crypto-ransomware, malware that encrypts data.
Crypto ransomware has also been spread using social media, such as web-based instant messaging programs.
In addition to that, researchers have discovered contemporary ransomware infiltration techniques.
For example, weak Web servers have been used as a point of entry to obtain access to a company’s network.
Ransomware FAQ №3: Why is Ransomware so effective?
Answer: Users’ devices can get infected with additional software after being tricked into clicking on a link or paying a ransom by the criminals behind Ransomware.
As an example of the fear they instill, Ransomware often uses the following messages:
- The PC contains a virus, and the message reads. Just click this link to fix the problem.
- Websites containing illicit material were accessed using your computer. A $100 fee is required to unlock your computer.
- Your whole hard drive is encrypted. Access to your files will be restored if you pay this ransom within 72 hours.
Prioritize critical alerts and eliminate false positives with the automated investigation. Utilize visual timelines and associated context for automatic response and remediation with Cetas Autonomous Incident Responder.
Ransomware FAQ №4: Is Ransomware a virus?
Answer: Ransomware is malicious software, but it is not a virus.
Although it is malicious software, Ransomware does not spread by copying itself, unlike viruses.
While the effects on files are similar, the subsequent behavior of viruses and Ransomware after the payload has been delivered is quite different.
Ransomware FAQ №5: What is DarkSide ransomware?
Answer: The hacker gang known as DarkSide is responsible for creating the Ransomware known as DarkSide, which operates as a service (RaaS).
The virus doubles the amount of money it can extort from its victims by demanding payment to decode files and compensation for the sensitive information it steals.
To obtain access to the machine’s local files, it goes after servers hosting the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and uses brute force to crack the password.
Ransomware FAQ №6: What is the WannaCry ransomware attack?
Answer: The WannaCry Ransomware uses a weakness in Microsoft Windows to rapidly propagate around the internet and encrypt files to keep users’ data hostage.
It does this by encrypting the files using cryptographically secure techniques, forcing the targeted victims to pay the ransom in Bitcoin if they want the private key or to restore their data from backups.
Due to the inability to decrypt the data, several firms were compelled to pay the demanded amount.
Ransomware FAQ №7: How long does it take to recover from Ransomware?
Answer: This is because several variables — including the scope of the damage, the efficiency of the organization’s disaster recovery plan, the speed with which employees can respond, and the length of time needed to eradicate the problem — will affect how long it takes to restore normal operations.
There might be a large drop in income if a company was unreachable for many days and no backups or contingency plans had been made.
