RANSOMWARE ATTACKS

  Ransomware Ransomware is a type of malware that has become a significant threat to U.S. businesses and individuals during the past two years. Most of the current ransomware variants encrypt files on the infected system/network (crypto ransomware), although a few variants are known to erase files or block access to the system using other methods (locker ransomware). Once access to the system is blocked, the ransomware demands a ransom in order to unlock the files, frequently $200 - $3,000 in bitcoins, though other currencies and gift cards are occasionally reported. Ransomware variants almost always opportunistically target victims, infecting an array of devices from computers to smartphones. Victims are at risk of losing their files, but may also experience financial loss due to paying the ransom, lost productivity, IT costs, legal fees, network modifications, and/or the purchase of credit monitoring services for employees/customers. Infection Vectors The majority of ransomware i...