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Definitions[]

Ransomware is

[a] form of malware that restricts access to a device unless the victim pays to have it unlocked.[1]
[a] malicious form of software that locks your computer or files and requires you to pay money to get the decryption code to unlock your files or device.[2]
a form of malicious software ("malware") designed to block access to a computer system or data, often by encrypting data or programs on information technology (IT) systems to extort ransom payments from victims in exchange for decrypting the information and restoring victims' access to their systems or data.[3]
a type of malware which restricts access to the computer system that it infects, and demands a ransom be paid in order for the restriction to be removed.[4]
a type of malware (malicious software) distinct from other malware; its defining characteristic is that it attempts to deny access to a user's data, usually by encrypting the data with a key known only to the hacker who deployed the malware, until a ransom is paid. After the user's data is encrypted, the ransomware directs the user to pay the ransom to the hacker (usually in a cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin) in order to receive a decryption key. However, hackers may deploy ransomware that also destroys or exfiltrates data, or ransomware in conjunction with other malware that does so.[5]
a form of malware that targets your critical data and systems for the purpose of extortion.[6]

Overview[]

Ransomware typically propagates as a conventional computer worm, entering a system through, for example, a vulnerability in a network service or an e-mail attachment. It may then:

  • Disable an essential system service or lock the display at system startup.
  • Encrypt some of the user's personal files. Encrypting ransomware were originally referred to as cryptoviruses, cryptotrojans or cryptoworms.

In both cases, the malware may extort by:

  • Prompting the user to enter a code obtainable only after wiring payment to the attacker or sending an SMS message and accruing a charge.
  • Urging the user to buy a decryption or removal tool.

More sophisticated ransomware may be a hybrid — encrypt the victim's plaintext with a random symmetric key and a fixed public key. The malware author is the only party that knows the needed private decryption key. The author who carries out this cryptoviral extortion attack offers to recover the symmetric key for a fee.

Ransomware is illegal under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.[7]

FBI Recommendations to stop ransomware attacks[]

The FBI recommends users consider implementing the following prevention and continuity measures to lessen the risk of a successful ransomware attack.

Additional considerations for businesses include the following:

Specific Ransomware[]

Ransomware includes the following;

References[]

  1. Cybersecurity in the Golden State, Security Breach, Malware.
  2. Cybersecurity A Primer for State Utility Regulators, App. B.
  3. Advisory on Ransomware and the Use of the Financial System to Facilitate Ransom Payments, at 1. "In some cases, in addition to the attack, the perpetrators threaten to publish sensitive files belonging to the victims, which can be individuals or business entities (including financial institutions). The consequences of a ransomware attack can be severe and far-reaching — with losses of sensitive, proprietary, and critical information and/or loss of business functionality." Id. at 1-2.
  4. Digital Currencies: Response to the Call for Information, at 11 n.1.
  5. FACT SHEET: Ransomware and HIPAA, at 1.
  6. How to Protect Your Networks from Ransomware, at 2.
  7. Cybersecurity: Selected Issues for the 115th Congress, at 3.

Source[]

See also[]

External resources[]


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