How do criminals develop and spreading ransomware?

In short, ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files and demands a ransom be paid in order to decrypt and gain access to the files. Generally, the ransomware attack will display a message on the victim’s screen that instructs them on what to do in order to make the payment and decrypt their files.

Ransomware can be spread in a number of ways, but most typically it is delivered via email attachments or malicious links. Once the victim clicks on the attachment or link, the ransomware will begin to encrypt their files. In some cases, the ransomware will also spread to other machines on the same network.

There are a number of different types of ransomware, but the two most common are “locker” ransomware and “crypto” ransomware. Locker ransomware will typically prevent the victim from accessing their computer or files until the ransom is paid, while crypto ransomware will encrypt the victim’s files and demand a ransom be paid in order to decrypt them.

The best way to protect against ransomware is to have a good backup strategy in place. This way, if your files are encrypted by ransomware, you can simply restore them from your backups. Additionally, you should have a security solution in place that can detect and block ransomware before it has a chance to encrypt your files..View Source

What happens to the ransomware after it’s used?

When a ransomware attack occurs, the attackers usually demand a ransom from the victim in exchange for a decryption key that can be used to unlock the encrypted files. In some cases, the attackers may also threaten to release the victim’s confidential data publicly if the ransom is not paid.

Once the ransom is paid, the attackers will provide the victim with the decryption key and instructions on how to use it. The victim can then use the key to decrypt their files and regain access to their data.

However, even after the victim has paid the ransom and received the decryption key, there is no guarantee that the attackers will not launch another attack. In fact, some attackers have been known to re-attack victims who have already paid a ransom in order to extort more money.

Therefore, it is important for victims of ransomware attacks to take precautions to protect themselves from future attacks. This includes backing up their data regularly and keeping their security software up-to-date.

We used malwarezero.org to write this article about ransomware. Original source.