The term “ransomware” is not just used for one specific type of malware. Malware that locks or restricts access to the computer system in any way until a ransom is paid can be considered ransomware. Although, this type of attack is usually done by malicious software (malware).

How Does Ransomware Get In

Essentially, it comes through email or other means, gets installed on your device, and blocks you from using it normally until you pay money – if you’re lucky enough to find out how to remove it fast enough. No matter what type of ransomware gets in, you end up losing time and money when trying to fix the problem or remove the ransomware infection.

What is the most common cause of ransomware

With phishing emails being the most popular method for ransomware to get in, these emails contain a link or attached file that actually contains the ransomware. If you click on one of these links or open this attachment, it can install ransomware on your computer – without your knowledge. How does phishing work? Here’s how it works:

First, a hacker targets an organization or person with an email containing a malicious downloader that holds a worm payload. This is a program that infects files and systems when activated by the user. In order to activate themselves, hackers use social engineering techniques through manipulation rather than technical sophistication, giving off a very legitimate appearance into fooling potential victims into trusting them and ‘clicking’ on their message.

How do hackers install ransomware?

Ransomware is spread in phishing emails as a payload. Social engineering is the method used that involves tricking users into taking actions or divulging confidential information

The file attached may appear to be legitimate, such as a business e-document or amateur video, and will contain a malicious script that downloads and installs malware on your computer – without your knowledge. How does ransomware get in?

Once downloaded and opened, ransomware quickly encrypts all the files on the computer and then replaces the content with a message explaining what has happened and demands payment for restoration.

Can you tell if your computer is infected with malware?

There are many types of malware that may have infected your computer without you even knowing it, especially if you use downloaded files or websites that appear legitimate but are unsafe. If you find that your machine is blocked by a message demanding money, it could be a sign of some serious malware infection.

Even if there are no ransom messages displayed on your screen, some forms of malware can block access to the log-in screen, so users cannot authenticate successfully and gain access to their data or system.

Ransomware and other types of malware often rely on users not having up-to-date security software installed to prevent data loss, as it may be the tool that stops such an attack from working. Some ransomware can even encrypt your files, so without proper protection you may lose access to those pictures and videos that were once so dear to you. Ignoring a potential threat like this is unwise: if you have one type of malware on your PC already, there’s a high chance other forms will follow and before long your machine could be completely blocked by the system. Here we take a look at how you might identify whether or not your computer has been infected with anything suspicious.