RANSOMWARE: WHAT IS IT AND HOW IT WORKS?

The attack perpetrated by hackers that has left us shocked, that is new to many people. That term is ransomware. Suddenly this word is everywhere. All over the internet we hear it constantly. But for many there is still a question about what it really means.

For this reason, by way of explanation we will tell you what ransomware is and also how it works and its main objective.

What is a ransomware? How does it work?

The ransomware is a malicious software. It is that first, the simplest definition that we can offer about this concept, although logically there is much more behind it. It is a malware that seeks to encrypt files on a computer. Given the magnitude of some of these ransomware, such as the WannaCry that we are seeing a lot these days, they can encrypt the most sensitive files on any computer.

Generally, they tend to focus on encrypting those sensitive files on our computer. It doesn't matter what type they are. It can be Word documents, or PDF although even photos or videos. Generally, the type of files that you will try to encrypt depends on the purpose of its creator. The developer establishes which files are the target of the ransomware.

If the ransomware manages to enter your computer and encrypt the files it is looking for, the most common thing is that you get the message that you have been infected. At the same time they ask you for a ransom to free your computer. It is generally real money, although in many cases they have also been seen with bitcoins. They will ask us for a transfer. If this money transfer is made, what we are going to obtain is a key with which we can decrypt our entire system. That way we can free up our computer and use it again normally.

With the increase in the presence of ransomware online, there are more and more generic codes that help us to unlock the system. The problem is that they don't always work, although in some cases they can be extremely useful.

We have to pay?

This part is one of the most controversial. In general, both authorities and security experts recommend not paying and not giving in to blackmail by hackers. Many users pay, generally out of fear. It is a logical reaction, since having your computer locked your only objective is to be able to have it and all your files again.

It is a complicated situation. There are companies that have been forced to pay huge amounts in order to free their systems from the ransomware attack. The main problem in these cases is that paying is not a guarantee.

There are cases in which despite the payment of the ransom requested by the attackers, the computer has not been released. Therefore, despite making the payment, there is no guarantee. That is why many recommend not paying. But the main problem in this situation is that there are hardly any possible solutions. Without payment the computer will not be released. A dead end.

How to prevent ransomware?

To avoid being infected by ransomware, the tips offered are the usual ones for any type of malware. The main form of spread of ransomware is usually through email, therefore it is recommended to avoid opening unknown emails, and especially never download attachments in them. You also have to be careful with downloads, therefore always from trusted sites. Always use an updated antivirus software for making your device safe and secure from ransomware.