IT security 2021: is ransomware still a threat?

The answer is YES! Ransomware is a sort of malicious software or malware designed to deny

access to a computer system or data until a ransom is paid. The ransomware escalates

through phishing emails, malvertising, visiting infected websites, or exploiting a vulnerability. 

Ransomware attacks occur during downtime, data leaks, intellectual property theft, and data breaches. And here you need an IT consulting firm for your rescue. The IT consulting firms will ensure that they will protect all your networks by forming new security measures so that attacks like ransomware do not affect your system.  

The ransomware payment amount ranges from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Payable in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

The well-known examples of ransomware:

With the help of some well-known examples, you will identify the dangers posed by ransomware.

• Bad rabbit

The bad rabbit was a ransomware attack in 2017 that spread via so-called drive-by attacks. The unsafe websites were used to carry out the attacks. In a drive-by ransomware attack, a user will visit an actual website unaware that the hackers have compromised it. For most drive-by attacks, all that is needed is for a user to call up a page that has been accommodated in this way.  

In this case, it is running an installer that holds disguised malware that led to the infection. This is called a malware dropper. Next, the bad rabbit asked the user to run a dummy Adobe Flash Installation, infecting the computer with malware. 

A company has to be prepared for the worst whenever it comes to protecting its system. Along with that, backhand support of security services in Corpus Christi is proven to be beneficial. 

• Jigsaw

Jigsaw is a ransomware attack that took place in 2016. The attack got its recognition from an image of the famous puppet from the Saw movie franchise. With each extra hour, the ransom stayed due. Jigsaw ransomware removes many files. The employ of the horror movie image caused extra stress among users.

• WannaCry

WannaCry was a ransomware attack that unrolls to over 150 countries in 2017. The main purpose of the WannaCry ransomware attack was to exploit the vulnerability of Windows. WannaCry affected 230,000 computers worldwide.

Who is the target of ransomware attacks?

Attackers have multiple ways of choosing which organization to target. For example, it could be a matter of opportunity or the likelihood of the payment.

Your organization is a better target if you are exposed to know the vulnerability. The most common targets are government agencies and medical facilities. The reason behind this is that they have inadequate information security and data protection. And with that, they also need immediate access to their files. Therefore, it is advisable to protect your system with assistance from IT consulting firms and avoid the after worries.  

This means that they are most likely to pay the ransom.

How does ransomware impact the business?

Relying on the best and the most reliable IT services is the only way to safeguard your business. Let me give you some solid reasons behind that: The ransom attacks on businesses went up to 88% in the 2nd half of 2018 as the cybercriminals pivot away from consumer-focused attacks. Cybercriminals began to recognize that big businesses translate to more significant ransom payments and target hospitals, government agencies, and commercial businesses. So now is the time to understand what is the need for IT security and cybersecurity. Because now it is impossible to protect your systems from multiple malware attacks.

Let us understand more an instance here: 

GandCrab has made more than $300 million in ransoms, with individual amounts ranging from $ 600 to $ 700,00. Similarly, SamSam's attack on the City of Atlanta cost them $ 2.6 million to remediate.

How to prevent ransomware?

It is not that difficult to prevent ransomware if you have the best IT services curated in advance, as they will perform many defensive steps to avert the ransomware infection. Have a look at some of the easy steps that even you can perform:

• Keep your operating system patched and up to date. And ensure that you have limited vulnerabilities to exploit. 

• Do not install the software until you know what it is and what it does.

• Install antivirus software that detects malicious programs like ransomware as they arrive and secure listing software that averts unauthorized applications from displaying in the first place.  

• And, yes, do not forget to back up your files frequently. That won't stop a malware attack. But it can do the deface caused by one much less significant.

Ransomware on the decline?

Sadly, the answer is NO. The threat of ransomware is not over yet. There are two types of ransomware attacks: Commodity attacks that aim to infect many computers with the goal of some small % paying, and ransomware-as-a-service platforms that attackers can rent to target the exposed market segments and organization. 

Furthermore, as the price of Bitcoin falls, the attackers will again get back to power to ask for the ransom rather than using the victim's computer to mine cryptocurrency.

Closing thoughts,

Suppose you don't want the headache of reading pages upon pages of literature about various cybersecurity measures. In that case, you always have the alternative to hire a managed IT services provider to take care of your security needs.  

As per the experts from IT consulting firms, malware attacks are increasing day by day and are unstoppable in that case, it is advisable to be prepared in advance with all the necessary tools.