What should you do if you think you’re being ransomware?

If you think you’re being ransomware, the first thing you should do is try to determine whether or not you are actually being ransomware. This can be difficult, as some ransomware is very sophisticated and can mimic other types of malware. If you are unsure, you can try running a malware scan with a reputable anti-malware program. If the scan comes back negative, it’s possible that you are not actually being ransomware.

If you are certain that you are being ransomware, the next thing you should do is try to determine what type of ransomware you are dealing with. There are many different types of ransomware, and each one has its own unique characteristics. Try to identify the ransomware by its file extension, ransom note, or other unique features. Once you know what type of ransomware you are dealing with, you can begin to look for ways to remove it.

There are a few different ways to remove ransomware, but the most effective way is usually to use a reputable anti-malware program. Make sure to update the anti-malware program before running a scan, as many ransomware families are constantly evolving and mutating to evade detection. Once the scan is complete, the anti-malware program should be able to remove the ransomware from your system.

If you cannot remove the ransomware with an anti-malware program, your last resort is to try and decrypt the encrypted files. Many ransomware programs encrypt files using strong encryption algorithms, which makes it very difficult (if not impossible) to decrypt the files without the encryption key. However, there are a few companies that specialize in ransomware decryption, and they may be able to help you recover your files.

Ultimately, the best way to protect yourself from ransomware is to practice good cyber hygiene and be vigilant about what you click on and download. Ransomware is usually spread through malicious email attachments or links, so it’s important to be careful about what you open. Additionally, backing up your data regularly can help you recover from a ransomware attack, as you will be able to restore your files from a backup if they are encrypted..Full Article

What are the most common ransomware strains?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that infected a computer and then encrypts the files on the hard drive, making them inaccessible. The attacker then demands a ransom, usually in the form of Bitcoin, in order to decrypt the files and return them to the victim. Ransomware has been a growing problem in recent years, with a number of high-profile attacks making headlines. Some of the most common ransomware strains include:

Locky: Locky is one of the most common ransomware strains and is typically spread through phishing emails that contain an attachment. Once the attachment is opened, Locky will encrypt the files on the hard drive and display a ransom demand.

CryptoLocker: CryptoLocker is another common ransomware strain that was first seen in 2013. It typically spreads through email attachments or infected websites and will encrypt the files on the hard drive. The attacker will then demand a ransom in order to decrypt the files.

TeslaCrypt: TeslaCrypt is a ransomware strain that targets files that are typically associated with video games, such as .WAV, .MP3, and .SAV files. It will encrypt these files and then demand a ransom in order to decrypt them.

WannaCry: WannaCry is a ransomware strain that gained notoriety in 2017 after it infected computers all over the world, including those belonging to the UK National Health Service. It typically spreads through a vulnerability in the Windows operating system and will encrypt the files on the hard drive. The attacker will then demand a ransom in order to decrypt the files.

These are just a few of the most common ransomware strains that have been seen in recent years. Ransomware is a growing problem and it is important to be aware of the signs that your computer may have been infected. If you see a ransom demand on your screen, do not pay the ransom. Instead, contact a professional who can help you to remove the ransomware and decrypt your files.

Visit malwarezero.org to learn more about ransomware. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.