9.1 SR 07-20-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Ransomware is one of the fastest growing malware threats today, a new organization will fall victim to ransomware every 14 seconds in 2019, every 11 seconds by 2021. It is easy to see that ransomware has the potential to be a major financial burden for any targeted organization. An estimate of the cost of ramsomware attacks in 2019 is in excess of $7.5 billion. Ransomware: is a form of malware that targets your critical data and systems for the purpose of extortion. It encrypts personal files and folders (documents, spread sheets, pictures, and videos). The affected files are deleted once they have been encrypted, and users generally encounter a text file with instructions for payment in the same folder as the now-inaccessible files.You may discover the problem only when you attempt to open one of these files. Some, but not all types of encryption software show a ‘lock screen’. A ransomware attack is typically delivered via an e-mail attachment. Once the attachment is opened, the malware is released into the user’s system and can spread through the network. Cybercriminals can also plant the malware on websites. When a user visits the site unknowingly, the malware is released into the system. How ramsomeware works. Paying the ransom is never recommended, there is no guarantee that this is a solution to the problem. If the ransom is paid the attacker may or may not provide the decryption key, plus there is no guarantee that the attacker hasn’t already installed other malware to extort more payments from your organization in the future. Dealing with a ransomware attack 1. Unplug infected computers from the network. This will prevent the infection from spreading to other computers and causing more damage. 2. Disable the ransomware process by stopping the ransomware executables from running. 3. Identify the type of ransomware running by uploading the ransom note or one of the encrypted files to https://www.nomoreransom.org/crypto-sheriff.php?lang=en . This website was created by law enforcement and IT Security companies that have joined forces to disrupt cybercriminal businesses with ransomware connections.