What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of very dangerous cyber attack. This malware, malicious software, locks data on a computer or network and demands a ransom from the victim to decrypt or unlock it. Ransomware has the potential to cause serious damage to organisations and individuals.

Of course, the course of a ransomware attack can vary, but the most common scenario is that the attacker sends a message to the victim in which demands payment of the ransom, usually in cryptocurrency, in exchange for a key to decrypt the data. Without this key, the data is usually unreadable, unavailable. In some cases, an attacker may threaten the victim by if she does not pay the ransom, her sensitive or personal data will be disclosed or lost.

Ransomware can represent both data loss and financial loss

Ransomware is often spread through malicious email attachments or infected websites. Protection against ransomware includes both prevention and various security measures, such as regular data backup, operating system and software updates, use of anti-virus programs, employee training in cyber security, etc.

It is important to take ransomware seriously and invest in prevention, as an attack can have serious consequences, including financial losses and loss of sensitive data.