Categories: General Date: Mar 24, 2017 Title: Ransomware II
Ransomware, a follow up.
Since my previous article on this issue, it seems that the Digital Robber Gangs have upped their ante and seemingly going strength to strength. The 2016 stats show a 150% plus increase in attacks (Sonicwall), and 2017 is bound to show this increasing trend. The rationale is that it’s far more fun to steal your money rather than just mess with your data.
Prepare
There are over 400 variants of Ransomware doing the rounds, with Cryptolocker being the current crime kingpin. Beware Linux and IOS users; there are variants out there right now targeting you. There are even some variants that take over control of the forward facing camera’s view, grabbing intimate or otherwise embarrassing pictures, ready for threat of exposure on social pages.
The prevention of and recovery from Ransomware is well detailed in the previous article, but here’s a reminder of how to prevent and deal with the risk, with some additional suggestions.
What does an attack look like?
Encrypted files will have odd looking extension names. You could try a quick rename of the file (with the correct extension name), and if that works, you’ve been hit by one of the many “fake” ransomware variants out there. Typically this wont work
You may also get a graphic threat suggesting “pay up or we will out you” accompanied by bestiality jpg’s, kiddie porn or suchlike nasties. This is to make you panic into “paying up”…don’t!
In most cases, users will notice missing files, or failed access to files or systems.
What to do when you get hit.
Anton Schutte
027 524 9995