Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts or alters a victim’s data and demands a ransom from the victim to restore access. There are many different types of ransomware, and they can vary in terms of how they operate and the techniques they use to spread.
Some common types of ransomware include:
Encrypting ransomware: This type of ransomware encrypts the victim’s data, making it inaccessible until a ransom is paid to the attacker.
Locker ransomware: This type of ransomware locks the victim out of their system or certain parts of their system, typically by changing the victim’s login credentials or by displaying a splash screen that prevents access.
Scareware: This type of ransomware tries to scare the victim into paying a ransom by displaying fake alerts or warnings about supposed problems with the victim’s system.
Cryptojacking ransomware: This type of ransomware uses the victim’s computer to mine cryptocurrency for the attacker.
Doxware: This type of ransomware threatens to release sensitive or personal information about the victim unless a ransom is paid.
Ransomware can be spread through a variety of means, including email attachments, malicious websites, and exploits in unpatched software. It is important to take steps to protect your system from ransomware, such as keeping your software up to date, using antivirus software, and being cautious when opening email attachments or clicking on links from unknown sources. There are many different types of known ransomware that have been identified by security researchers and law enforcement agencies. Some well-known examples include:
WannaCry: This ransomware was responsible for a global outbreak in 2017, affecting over 200,000 computers in 150 countries. It spread through a vulnerability in the Windows operating system and encrypted the victim’s data, demanding a ransom to restore access.
NotPetya: This ransomware was responsible for a major outbreak in 2017, affecting organizations in a number of countries. It spread through a supply chain attack and encrypted the victim’s data, demanding a ransom to restore access.
Ryuk: This ransomware targets large organizations and has been responsible for several high-profile attacks, including one on the City of New Orleans in 2019. It encrypts the victim’s data and demands a ransom to restore access.
Locky: This ransomware has been active since 2016 and has affected a large number of organizations worldwide. It spreads through email attachments and encrypts the victim’s data, demanding a ransom to restore access.
Cryptolocker: This ransomware was active from 2013 to 2014 and was responsible for a number of high-profile attacks. It spread through email attachments and encrypted the victim’s data, demanding a ransom to restore access.