ransomware – Page 2 – Scriptingthewhy.com

Ransomware Threat: Proactive Defense and Collaborative Cybersecurity

Key Takeaways

Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts a victim’s files and demands a ransom for decryption.
Different types of ransomware exist, including crypto-ransomware, locker ransomware, RaaS, and sextortion ransomware.
Ransomware attacks can have devastating consequences, causing financial loss, operational disruption, and reputational damage.
Everyone is a potential target, from individuals to businesses and governments.
The ‘3-2-1’ backup strategy is crucial for data protection.
Employee education on phishing attacks is essential for preventing ransomware infections.
In the event of an attack, isolate affected systems, contact authorities, and seek professional help.
Paying the ransom is generally not recommended and may be illegal.
The fight against ransomware requires a proactive approach to cybersecurity with continuous vigilance and collaboration.

The hills have danger, Watson.
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Ransomware: The Looming Threat

Ouch. That’s the sound of a collective gasp as the realization dawns upon us: ransomware attacks are not just a distant threat; they’re a menacing reality. The digital age, while brimming with convenience and connectivity, has also become a breeding ground for cybercriminals. And ransomware, their weapon of choice, is proving to be increasingly potent.

The conventional wisdom has long been: don’t pay the ransom. It’s a principled stance, designed to discourage these digital extortionists. After all, rewarding their nefarious activities only fuels their insatiable appetite for profit. Yet, the pressure cooker of modern business, coupled with the fear of irreparable data loss, often tempts victims to cave. The question then becomes: is there a definitive, foolproof strategy for navigating this perilous landscape?

Let’s delve deeper.

Understanding the Beast

Ransomware, in its essence, is a form of malicious software that encrypts a victim’s files, rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. The ransomware ecosystem is evolving rapidly, with new variants emerging at an alarming rate.

Crypto-ransomware: The classic model, this type encrypts files and demands a decryption key. It’s the digital equivalent of holding your data hostage.
Locker ransomware: This variant takes a more aggressive approach, locking the entire device and demanding payment to regain access. It’s like being forcibly evicted from your digital home.
Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS): In a disturbing twist, cybercrime has adopted a franchise model. RaaS platforms provide the tools and infrastructure for aspiring cybercriminals to launch their own ransomware attacks, lowering the barrier of entry for these malicious actors.
Sextortion ransomware: This particularly insidious form of ransomware leverages blackmail, claiming to have compromising material and demanding payment to prevent its release. It’s a despicable tactic that exploits fear and shame.

These are just a few of the many ransomware variants wreaking havoc. The sophistication and audacity of these attacks are increasing, making it imperative for individuals and organizations to be vigilant.

Your next move should always be made wisely.
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The High Stakes Game

The potential consequences of a ransomware attack are far-reaching. Financial loss is an obvious outcome, but the damage can extend far beyond monetary implications. Disruption of critical operations, loss of customer trust, and reputational damage can have long-lasting effects. For individuals, the loss of personal data can be devastating, leading to identity theft and other forms of fraud.

It’s essential to understand that no one is immune. From small businesses to multinational corporations, and from individuals to governments, everyone is a potential target. The cybercriminals behind these attacks are opportunistic, casting a wide net in search of vulnerable victims.

Defending Against the Threat

Prevention is undoubtedly the best defense against ransomware. While it’s impossible to eliminate risk entirely, implementing robust security measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of a successful attack.

The “3-2-1” backup strategy is a cornerstone of data protection. This rule dictates having three copies of your data, stored on two different media, with one of those copies off-site. Regular backups are crucial, as they provide a safety net in case of ransomware encryption.

Employee education is another critical component of a comprehensive security strategy. Phishing attacks are a common entry point for ransomware, so teaching employees to recognize and avoid suspicious emails is essential. Staying updated on the latest threats and best practices is also crucial.

In the unfortunate event of a ransomware attack, it’s essential to act swiftly and decisively. Disconnecting affected systems from the network can help prevent the spread of the ransomware. Contacting law enforcement and cybersecurity experts is also crucial.

While paying the ransom might seem like a quick fix, it’s generally not recommended. There’s no guarantee that you’ll regain access to your data, and it only encourages further attacks. Moreover, paying the ransom can be a violation of anti-money laundering laws in some jurisdictions.

Like credit cards, just because you made a payment doesn’t mean you’re out the woods just yet.
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The Road Ahead

The battle against ransomware is far from over. Cybercriminals will continue to evolve their tactics, seeking new ways to exploit vulnerabilities. To stay ahead of the curve, individuals and organizations must adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity. This includes investing in robust security solutions, staying informed about emerging threats, and fostering a culture of security awareness.

The future of cybersecurity is complex and challenging. However, by working together, we can create a safer digital world. It’s a battle that requires constant vigilance, innovation, and collaboration.

Would you like to add more specific information about ransomware prevention, recovery, or the legal implications of ransomware attacks?

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Programming, Security, Tech

Wedded with A Shell of Problems

Consider following on social media!

Quick note: if you’re viewing this via email, come to the site for better viewing. Enjoy!

Kim: I’m leaving, it’s time to read another script anyway.
Brian: What!? I told you, them scripts are nonsense.
Kim: Then why do we still have money in our bank account?
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No wait, you don’t have to twist our arm! We can talk about payment options. It should be common knowledge by now that clicking on links sent to you by “someone you may know” could land you in hot water with your computer, household, work, and bank.

But you’re not the only one who has to keep an eye out for phishing emails, big name companies are getting hit and are paying the price for it… well not only paying with money but with time.

We’re going to look at what kind of attack this is, who may have used it, what’s the functionality and effects upon its release, and some ways you can prevent this… well, at least try.

Ransomes are like this, except at the time of demand you have less money.
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The Attack

For those who are not familiar with ransomware attacks, we’ll quickly explain. With some phishing email attempts, sometimes depending on the threat actor’s goal, a link will be provided for you to click on.

Once you interact with the link and let’s say you downloaded a file, the malicious file can then run in the background and collect all of your data and encrypt it.

Afterward, a prompt will come up saying “We’ve collected your data and encrypted it, if you want it back then pay this amount through Bitcoin.” Usually, there is a timeframe accompanied by the prompt.

While the average person comes across this kind of attack, companies have been experiencing ransomware attacks lately and it doesn’t show any signs of stopping.

Lord, hackers get clever day by day. I’m tired.
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Who Can It Be Now

Clop, a ransomware gang affiliate of Russia is one among many requesting payments in the highest form and has been named for using this tactic. Clop has been known to request payment in, not only hundreds, thousands, but also in the millions for companies to get their information back and kept from being released.

Clop has recently launched a ransomware campaign against a few companies claiming to have collected their data and threatening to leak it to other threat actors but the biggest among them is the gas and oil company known as Shell.

However, in most if not all cases, paying the ransom only fuels the threat actors to commit more ransomware attacks.

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Kate: Who is that lady coming up behind us? Is she on the list?
Marshall: Look ahead of us, not behind us. Those days are over.
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The Sinking Feeling

Like an affair being exposed at a wedding, there are many factors that lead up to this event. A complex approach is becoming a part of the organization, working hard to rise in the ranks and gain a high enough level of privilege to access where sensitive data is being kept and installing malicious malware onto their systems.

The other and least complex is spear-phishing or even whale-phishing. Whale-phishing is aimed for someone like the CEO of the organization while spear-phishing is aimed for certain personnel who may have the level of privilege needed to fall victim to the ransomware attack.

Once a target has been chosen and unfortunate enough to not pay attention to the ongoings of clicking on the provided link, a number of actions are set in motion.

A file or folder holding the malware is downloaded onto the machine. That malware is then released and depending on its program it could either collect the data and encrypt it or copy the collected data, encrypt it, and delete the files leaving behind empty files and directories.

Once information aggregation is complete, whatever is collected is sent back to a command and control (C2C) server for the threat actor to decide what is important and what they would like to do with the information.

So, yeah, this is like having the side chick show up on your wedding day when you’re just trying to get married. The moral of the story is; don’t have a side chick if you care about keeping your information secret.

You’d be surprised, a good chunk of time hacking takes place in a GUI rather than the command line.
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The Prevention

Now, don’t panic, there are some ways you can prevent this. Since most of the time this is done by phishing attempts, practicing examining emails, and looking for things like questionable grammar, grammar Nazis this is where you can shine with your superpower and people will love you.

The option for you to hover your mouse over the link and see where it would take you is there although I won’t really suggest this as some people may be heavy-handed and accidentally click on the link.

Copying and pasting the link into Google’s search engine could also help id if the link is legit or not. If you do click on the link and are redirected to a website, leave immediately and pay attention to your downloads as visiting the website may have a drive-by download—this is where a download happens without your interaction, if this happens delete the files immediately and scan the computer. Keeping the antivirus software, OS (Operating System), and employee awareness training up to date will help ensure ransomware attacks are kept at bay.

Security isn’t a hundred percent guaranteed but not having something in place guarantees a hundred percent chance of an infection.

A little security is better than no security at all.
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Made it this far and found this to be entertaining? Then a big thanks to you and please show your support by cracking a like, sharing this with whomever, scripting a comment, or plug-in to follow.

Would like to give sincere thanks to current followers and subscribers, your support and actions mean a lot and has a play in the creation of each script.

Do you feel like there is something I may have missed on ransomware attacks? Script a comment below.

Programming, Security, Tech

Ransom, Malwares & Joseph

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Quick note: if you’re viewing this via email, come to the site for better viewing. Enjoy!

someone writing in a notebook — Pen pals were the old school catfishing back in the day.
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Hey, do you remember the time when you could check the email that you had gotten from a random stranger and have nothing to worry about? Like the thought of you and them becoming pen pals was a possibility.

No, of course, no one would think that way since we’re all trained, due to our parents from a young age to stay away from strangers. However, let’s say that you did, and you were curious as to how this random chance of friendship would play out.

You email each other back and forth and things are going swell, right up until you get a notification saying, “You have twenty-two hours to hand over $65,356.34 if you want any chance of getting your computer back to normal and your dirty little secrets from being exposed.” This scenario isn’t exactly how the attack plays out, but you get the idea, your pseudo-friend has dirt on you and wants you to pay up or else.

two men sat across from each other. — Jake: I’m going to make you an offer you can’t refuse.
Steve: I refuse.
Jake: Okay, I didn’t see that coming so quickly. Oh gosh, you didn’t even think about it.
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You got Blockbuster

So back in 1989, hot movies were being released like Road House, Batman, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and the internet was booming. There was the raise of AOL or what’s better known as America Online, the movie The Godfather had been out for some years before then and people were drawing inspiration from the famous line that most jobs and now what seems like the current stance of every landlord, utility service provider, or insurance company are saying, “I’m going to make you an offer you can’t refuse.” Someone who may have taken inspiration from this movie was Joseph L. Popp.

A Harvard-trained evolutionary biologist who was the first person ever to create a ransomware virus. For those who don’t know, ransomware is a type of malware that acquires the victim’s information and denies access until the demands are met. These demands could be sending money, demanding the “truth” if it’s an activist act, or sending nudes. That last one was silly but I’m sure there’s some hacker out there using ransomware on Only Fans accounts for nudes.

Along with the creation of ransomware came interesting names such as “AIDS Trojan” and “PC Cyborg”. Popp made like capitalism and capitalized on the AIDS epidemic by sending out 20,000 infected diskettes labeled “AIDS Information” to people of the World Health Organization or widely known as W.H.O.

a photo of a diskette — Most if not all people of today have no clue what this is. Let me introduce you to the diskette.
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The diskettes housed malicious code able to hide file directories, lock file names, and demand victims send $189 to a PO Box in Panama to get their information back. This was the first generation of ransomware, and things have become more advanced since then.

man looking evil with a glass of scotch. — I drink, code viruses, and know things…for the right price.
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Father of Ransoms

After Joseph was deemed “The Father of Ransomware”, what category of people came to follow in his footsteps, not only to use but later improve this malware? They are called hackers and just a side note; anyone can use malware making them cyber-attackers, but I’m going to use hackers since their main objective is to exploit for profit.

Hackers tend to use ransomware via various methods such as phishing emails with malicious files attached, and drive-by downloading – a method where a file is downloaded without your interaction. And finally spoofing – is another method where a hacker is posing as a trusted entity.

Hackers can often obtain Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) or malware-for-hire which has easier use and is cost-efficient for performing ransomware attacks. This is insane because this means hackers actually have a budget created to perform cyber-attacks. There are several ransomware variants, some of which could have you buck-naked out in the cold (or heat, depending on when and where you’re at in the world).

Popular ones are Ryuk – delivered through spear-phishing emails or gaining access to a desktop remotely, this variant can encrypt certain files avoiding the crucial ones for the computer’s operation and presenting the demand for ransom.

Ryuk can account for an average of $1 million. Maze can combine file encryption and data theft, this is done with the intent that if the victim decides not to pay the ransom their information could be exposed, sold online, or both.

REvil also known as Sodinokibi is a variant that has large organizations on the menu. This variant has been responsible for a number of large data breaches, a couple being “Kaseya” and “JBS” and has been known to have demanded a ransom of $800,000.

Lockbit, operating since September 2019, this variant rapidly encrypts data to prevent detection by security appliances and SOC (System and Organization Control) teams. There are a couple of other variants but at this junction, you pretty much get the point, they get access to your information, lock you out, and hold it for ransom.

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man sat holding his face. — What makes you think I can pay this ransom when I can’t even pay my rent?
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Payments Not Made

Being hit with a ransomware attack is insanely dangerous and many vital organizations such as hospitals and public services have experienced significant losses from it as not paying the ransom can halt access to critical care.

Paying the ransom can lead to a chain reaction of events, a few being loss of the money used in ransom payment, productivity time lost, and the need to hire IT for disaster and recovery. And choosing not to pay the ransom could lead to whatever consequences the hacker has set in place.

So, how do you stop your information from being held against you? Well, there are a number of ways, most of which are pretty basic and get overlooked every day since we’re all creatures of habit.

Avoid clicking on links sent via email or other messaging means, staying away from compromised websites, ones where you may get a warning from your browser which displays “This site is not secure and may be unsafe, turning back is recommended.” Heed this warning as it may save you and your computer from being hit with a drive-by download.

And the most likely out of the bunch, if you suffer from being attracted to shiny things as I do, are ads that may pop up on your screen. A malicious link could be hidden within the ad to redirect you to an un-secure site for some non-consent time for your computer.

person sat with a mask in a hoodie holding a bank card. — Subscribe today so you or someone you know doesn’t have to experience ransomware or I will gain access to all your secrets.
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Made it this far and found this to be entertaining? Then a big thanks to you and please show your support by cracking a like, sharing this with whomever, scripting a comment, or plug-in to follow.

Would like to give sincere thanks to current followers and subscribers, your support and actions mean a lot and has a play in the creation of each script.

Do you think there’s something I missed on ransomware and want to add? Script a comment below.