Gridinsoft Anti Ransomware

What is Ransomware?

ransomware’s short description is hidden in the name. This is just like a lot of other viruses. Ransomware is a program that injects itself into your computer and encrypts all your files. Then, it asks for ransom money to unlock your files. Ransomware may threaten its victims with the threat of deleting your files or publishing some of your most sensitive data if they don’t pay the ransom. The first is a complete lie. However, the second is possible because ransomware can be spread with spyware and stealers.

Ransomware generates an online key for each victim. Cybercriminals store the key on a server. The virus will encrypt files with the offline key stored on the encrypted machine if it is unable to connect to the server. You have several victims and a limited number of offline keys.

There is no guarantee that your files will be returned. However, if ransomware used an offline key, you’ll be able to decrypt your data much quicker. However, it can take several weeks to obtain keys. The key update will be sent to the decryption application, which can be used for file encryption.

It is much more difficult to find online keys. Because each key is unique, it can take several months to solve them. Ransomware distributors are likely to be caught and made to reveal all keys on their servers. Ransomware creators may decide to stop their malicious activities and release all keys to the public. This was only once, in 2018 when GandCrab developers claimed they had made 2 billion dollars and their activity was suspended.

Different types of ransomware

There are many types of ransomware currently in existence. Crypto is the most common type of ransomware. This is exactly the type of ransomware you can read above. An earlier form of ransomware existed, but it was not active until 2014. This ransomware was known as locker ransomware. This ransomware was designed to lock your computer and demand a ransom in exchange for unlocking your desktop. Let me explain the difference between crypto-ransomware and locker.

Locker ransomware:

• Blocks your desktop;
• Banner with a ransom note on the cover.
• Modifies registry keys responsible for Windows Explorer operation;
• Stop the explorer.exe process
• Blocks most system combinations (Ctrl+Alt+Del and Ctrl+Shift+Esc).
• Some versions of the virus can infect the BIOS and make it impossible to load the system.
• Sometimes, it is possible to remove them after a few tricky manipulations of system functions.
• Request you to pay a ransom for a mobile number topping up as well as via the online payment system (PayPal WebMoney, Qiwi, etc. You can find out more here.

Crypto ransomware

• Encrypts files with the most common extensions (.docx.png.jpeg..gif..xslx) and adds their specific extension to them;
• Registry keys to make changes that allow for the launch of startup programs and networking;
• This file adds the ransom payment instructions to every folder where encrypted files are located.
• You can block access to certain websites
• Prevents the installation of anti-malware programs.
• You can change your wallpapers for a ransom note
• Ransom payments will be made only using cryptocurrencies, specifically Bitcoin.

Liste of ransomware families as of September 2021

• Abaddon ransomware had a brief but very active life. Its developers decided to end their activity in May 2021.
• Stop/DJVU ransomware has been one of the most popular ransomware families. This virus type was first detected in 2018. Its activity remains high. This ransomware is primarily targeted at simple users and can be considered classic ransomware.
• Conti ransomware. This criminal group targets organizations where IT outages could have life-threatening consequences, such as hospitals, 911 dispatchers, emergency medical services, law enforcement agencies, and other law enforcement agencies.
• Matrix
• MedusaLocker
• Snatch
• VoidCrypt
• Xorist ransomware uses cryptoconstructor can alter itself so much it’s hard to recognize.
• Dharma ransomware was introduced in 2016. This ransomware family targets small businesses. Nearly 77% of all Dharma cases involve the exploitation of RDP vulnerabilities.
• Egregor
• HiddenTear was initially created for educational purposes
• LockBit
• Makeup Ransomware- Facts at the Edge of 2021

Is this a way to get the ransom paid?

Most of the ransomware developers’ income is used to finance outlaw activities such as terrorism and drug dealers. It is impossible to determine the identity of ransomware developers since all ransom payments are made in cryptocurrency. Email addresses can indicate that ransomware distributors may be in the Middle East, however.

You can see that paying the ransom is equivalent to participating in outlaw activities. No one will ever blame you for funding terrorism. It is not pleasant to know that the money you receive for fair work is used on terrorist funding or drug trafficking. Many times, even large corporations are tricked with threats to publish internal data. They don’t pay a dime to these crooks.

What can I do to protect my computer against ransomware?

Anti-malware programs usually update their detection databases every day. GridinSoft Anti-Malware offers hourly updates which reduce the risk of a ransomware attack on your system. Anti-malware software does not guarantee that your system will be secure. Be careful where you go. These are:

• Malicious email messages are the main reason ransomware cases occur, regardless of whether or not there is a family member. People used to trust email messages and didn’t suspect that malicious files might be in the attachments. Cyber thieves exploit this weakness to lure people into enabling macros in Microsoft Office files. Macros allow you to improve the interaction with your document. Visual Basic allows you to create any type of object and then add it as a macro to your document. Crooks can add ransomware code without thinking.
• Untrustworthy utilities and programs. While browsing the Web, you may come across various devices. You can find various tools on the Internet via social networks, forums, and seeding networks. There is nothing wrong with such software. Sometimes, users may need functions that aren’t required (or accepted) by corporations. These tools include keygens for different apps, license activators (KMSActivator is the most well-known), and utilities for system element adjusting. Most anti-malware engines will detect these applications as malicious. You can either disable antivirus or add the app to the whitelist. This utility could be either clear or infected by trojans and ransomware.