What is Ransomware and Crypto-Malware?

These types of malware could lock you out and cost you big money. (Photo credit: FLY:D)

Ransomware is a type of malware designed to encrypt a computer, locking the user out of the computer or network completely. The attacker then demands a ransom to restore access to the system. These types of attacks have been carried out against individuals, companies, schools and even hospitals. In 2020, Cybersecurity company BlackFog estimated that “a business is attacked by a cybercriminal every 11 seconds” with a total estimated cost of $20 billion by 2021 (source).

Victims are often required to pay the bad guys in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. “Once they have the Bitcoins, it’s simply a matter of ‘washing’ them via the Dark Web (a process which removes all traces of previous ownership and transactions) and the hackers can then convert the coins to cash” (Eurostaff).

Crypto-malware is similar to ransomware, with the main difference being that crypto-malware locks out the user from personal files but still leaves the operating system functional. The bad guys leave the OS running so that they can present a message to you demanding the ransom payment.

In either case, there are some steps you can take to help prevent these types of attacks:

• Keep OS, software, and virus protection up to date on the latest version

• Avoid opening emails or attachments from unknown senders

• Avoid suspicious websites and links

• Keep your data backed up routinely on an offline drive

These are just a few ways to keep you safe from ransomware and crypto-malware. It’s up to you to stay informed and stay vigilant!

What is a Rootkit?

Rootkits are nearly invisible and therefore very difficult to remove. (Photo credit: Michael Dziedzic)

The term “rootkit” is derived from the Linux/Unix name for the highest level user, “root.” The root user has administrator access to a system and is therefore able to modify anything within it.

A rootkit is a tool that allows a hacker to covertly gain access to a system. Rootkits are difficult to detect because they modify the kernel of the operating system. The kernel is the very center of the OS and facilitates interactions between the software and hardware. By modifying the kernel and gaining administrative access, a rootkit allows a hacker to install other malware on your system and prevent you from removing it. This could potentially lead to loss of your data, money, and access to your computer.

Rootkits can typically only be removed with very particular rootkit removal software. It is also important to be very careful when choosing rootkit removal software, as sometimes the “bad guys” put fake rootkit removal software out there which actually just adds more malware to your computer.

To prevent rootkits and other malware from getting onto your computer, it is important to take some basic precautions, such as:

• Keep your operating system, web browser, and other applications up to date.

• Use virus protection software and routinely scan for malware.

• Use a firewall and avoid visiting suspicious websites.

• Avoid opening emails and attachments from unknown recipients.

These are just a few steps anyone can take to help prevent malware from slowing down your system or leaking out critical personal data to attackers. Remember that it only takes one mistake for a hacker to gain access to your hardware/data. Stay informed, and stay vigilant!

What is Malware?

Take active steps to prevent malware from infiltrating your system! (Photo credit: Michael Geiger)

Malware can be described as any software that is doing something bad to your computer. Malware could do something annoying such as cause pop-up ads, something dangerous like collecting keystrokes as you type, or something discreet like force your computer to become part of a “botnet” without you even knowing!

One type of malware is called “crypto-malware,” which encrypts the data on your device, rendering it inaccessible to you. Another example of malware is called “ransomware,” which causes your data to be locked up until you pay a ransom to the hackers that installed the malware. Other types of malware include “Trojan horses,” “Worms,” and many types of viruses.

To help protect your systems against malware, there are several important things you can do:

• Keep your operating system, web browser, and other applications up to date.

• Use virus protection software and routinely scan for malware.

• Use a firewall and avoid visiting suspicious websites.

• Avoid opening emails and attachments from unknown recipients.

These are just a few steps anyone can take to help prevent malware from slowing down your system or leaking out critical personal data to attackers. Remember that it only takes one mistake for a hacker to gain access to your hardware/data. Stay informed, and stay vigilant!