Ransomware is malware that is designed to encrypt the data of a device, hijack its files and folders, and block user access to it. It modifies the operating system and encrypts all the data inside the computer, rendering it impossible for the system to read and open it. In this situation, when you try to access the information stored on your PC, you cannot do so because all the data has been encrypted. Due to this, you remain locked out of your computer unable to open any file or folder or access any account.
Instead of this, a ransom note appears on your device screen that demands money for decrypting the data on your computer. It threatens to delete all the data if you fail to pay the ransom amount in the limited time. Cybercriminals set a ticking watch on the screen that works like a ticking bomb and a horrible reminder of the impending bad events. For a user, it is a horrible and serious situation. All the valuable business information and other information are at stake.
So, if you are worried about how to prevent such malicious attacks and protect your data, then this write-up is for you. It will provide you with all the essential information about this topic including how to prevent and recover from ransomware attacks and how many types of ransomware are there depending on their nature and work.
There are various types of Ransomware on the internet. Their type is labeled according to the malicious activities and fields they work to hijack, encrypt, and take hostages. Here are some essential types of Ransomware that cyberpunks use to hack your devices and lock your data.
These are some of the most basic malware software that block users from accessing their main system. Screen lockers lock the system and block the users from accessing it. You cannot go beyond your home screen once it is tampered with by the screen lockers. Cyberpunks have the key to open the gateway to your system's main dashboard. It asks for the money to allow you access to the main dashboard.
Crypto ransomware uses encryption methodology to hijack all the programs and data inside a computer. It locks all the information stored on the devices and the cloud databases as well.
Disk encryption is one of the most dangerous malware in the chain of Ransomware. These programs modify the whole operating system and prevent them from running the fundamental operations. It happens because, in this type of attack, the entire disk drive is taken hostage. As a result, the whole system becomes unbootable and runs its operations.
These Ransomware are used to make users believe that their system has been locked. But in reality, it would not be the case. Criminals use this malware to scare users and extort money from them. Or they will persuade them to buy certain types of software to help them stay protected from malware attacks.
This type of malware is used to steal information from the users. This malicious program is known by many names, such as extrafiltrationware, doxware, leakware, etc. Using this program, blackhats steal data and threaten to make it public if they deny paying the ransom amount. This malware steals media files, confidential documents, and classified files that are stored in government records.
It is another dangerous malware that is used to attack and lock the computers. But there are some exceptions in its usage. Instead of taking the data hostage, it wipes it out or deletes it completely without leaving any trace. Even after the victim paid the money that cyberpunk demanded, the stored data in it was still erased once the device was infected.
It encrypts user information and steals important information at the same time. When encryption is done, it asks for the money from the victim. Triple extortion does both the work that double extortion does, but it adds an additional third threat that infects all the devices with powerful malware. In this situation, the victim has to pay triple the amount of money to deal with the attacks and infections that are launched on the system.