Ransomware

Rare card · No. 65430

Ransomware is a type of malware that takes the private data of a victim hostage until a ransom is paid. This can involve encryption of the data, and/or exfiltration with the threat of publicly releasing the data. Ransom is typically requested to be paid via cryptocurrency or stored-value cards since these are harder to trace; making the crime more difficult to prosecute. Sometimes the original files can be retrieved without paying the ransom due to implementation mistakes, leaked cryptographic keys or a complete lack of encryption in the ransomware. Ransomware attacks are typically carried out using a Trojan disguised as a legitimate file that the user is tricked into downloading or opening when it arrives as an email attachment. However, one high-profile example, the WannaCry worm, traveled automatically between computers without user interaction. Starting as early as 1989 with the first documented ransomware known as the AIDS trojan, the use of ransomware scams grew internationally. There...

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