Ransomware is a malware attack which involves locking up sensitive data located on a network or a user’s computer. The motive of a ransomware is usually to extort funds from the victim, after which their data is handed back to them. Failure to meet the demands usually ends up in deletion or exposure of the captured information. Ransomware differs from other attacks because it is usually aimed at financial gain.
Hackers obtain the funds through undetectable means, especially cryptocurrency.
Ransomware can threaten to run an entire company into bankruptcy along with its clients. This is why businesses in Ottawa are advised to maintain a thorough back-up of critical data. The assistance of an Ottawa IT consulting company may help you to prevent or be ready to react to and recover from a ransomware attack. These companies may also offer guidance to a business on what to do when in such a situation.
Execution of a Ransomware Attack
Ransomware is introduced into a network through means such as email attachments. Another way they are introduced is by embedding them into application software. Once they are opened, the hacker obtains access to the network and is able to execute the ransomware embedded within the application software. On other occasions, ransomware may involve denying access to a service or an entire network by changing the login credentials of a user.
Businesses in Ottawa must prepare for this type of attack.
Ransomware execution differs from other attacks again in the sense that the victims are alerted that their data or security has been compromised. Alerts are usually in the form of pop-ups containing light details of the attack and how it can be reversed. Sometimes, these instructions come with a deadline. On other occasions, the victim is tricked by a credible-looking message stating that a certain violation has occurred and the corresponding services offered have been locked. Another case is where the hacker disguises themselves as a vendor of software or a decryption key which could reverse the attack. Such ingenious disguises protect the hacker from further investigation into who they are.
As such, businesses in Ottawa need to hire IT companies that can assist in providing comprehensive computer services. These services will help businesses seal loopholes in their networks that hackers can use to launch a ransomware attack.
Ransomware as a Service (RaaS)
Following the prominence of the dark web, cybercriminals today have access to software which helps them to define ransomware parameters with little to no programming knowledge.
An example of such application is the Ransomware as a Service (RaaS). In this Software as a Service (SaaS), the vendor offers the buyer the code needed to launch the attack. In exchange for the code, the buyer offers money and in many cases a commission of the ransom.
Such threats can only be prevented if businesses can secure their networks. For small businesses, An IT company offering network support services may be the best way to prevent or respond to a Ransomware Attack.