Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that threatens to publish the victim’s data or perpetually block access to it unless a ransom is paid. Modern ransomware families, collectively categorized as crypto-ransomware, encrypt certain file types on infected systems and force users to pay the ransom through certain online payment methods to get a decrypt key.
Ransomware attacks can cause significant financial losses to individuals and organizations and may entail legal consequences if sensitive or regulated data is compromised and exposed. The infection can spread through various vectors, the most common being phishing emails, exploiting security vulnerabilities in software, or visiting compromised websites.
Preventing ransomware attacks involves a combination of user education, regular software updates, robust security solutions, and comprehensive backup strategies. Critical to mitigating the impact of ransomware is the implementation of a multi-layered security approach that includes endpoint protection, email filtering, and the principle of least privilege regarding system and network access.