(Newswire.net — May 31, 2017) — Up until recently, most of the mainstream public gave very little thought to the idea of cyber security. Our contribution to our own cyber security ended with regularly updated and relatively clever passwords for email, banks and other accounts. However, the last few months have seen some major events that have created a lot of interest and concern about the security of our information, systems, data and digital currency.
WannaCry
On May 12, 2017 the world saw the largest cyber attack in history, an event that spanned several continents and impacted millions. On that day, a ransomware program called WannaCry attacked several different businesses and organizations in several nations, including healthcare providers and even foreign government entities. Within hours, the software had compromised over 200,000 devices in 150 countries, and the long-term effects will certainly be even larger.
The reach of the attack and the variety of targets were among the most alarming aspects of the WannaCry event. Organizations that were impacted included hospitals in the UK, a large telecom corporation in Spain, FedEx in North America and even the Russian Interior Ministry. Within minutes, the software had accessed and encrypted critical data from these and several other organizations.
AIDS Trojan
Like with previous ransomware attacks, the criminals demanded monetary payment and promised that the data would be restored after this occurred. This basic concept was far from being innovative, and the idea of ransomware goes back several decades. The first known ransomware attack took place in 1989 when a program known as the AIDS Trojan infected several computers and demanded a payment of $189.
Since the Internet was barely a fraction of the size it is now, and international payments were rare and difficult to transact, the attempt was ultimately unsuccessful. But just like the WannaCry attack, the AIDS Trojan would have huge, lasting ramifications and ultimately help to define the concept we now call cybercrime.
Defining Ransomware
Although the software is becoming more sophisticated, complex and widespread every day, the basic idea behind ransomware is relatively simple. It is a computer code that gains access to files and data on a network and restricts the user’s access to it. It does this by either encrypting certain files and applications on a system or by locking the victim out of the entire operating system and demanding a monetary payment for the access to be returned.
Through this process, criminals essentially kidnap the data of a person or organization and hold it for ransom, hence the name. They may attempt to make it seem like some legitimate technical process, and some criminals have gone as far as offering phone numbers for technical help desk support to their victims.
In some cases, the criminals may return a small amount of the data or files for free, to show that they do have access and can fix the problem. Unfortunately, the vast majority of ransomware victims never regain all of the files that were stolen, even after paying the ransom. There is also no guarantee that the criminals will not simply attack again after the ransom has been paid.
Combating Ransomware
Because it is such a widespread problem, cyber security experts are developing new ways to deal with ransomware. In this way, CBI used in Detroit, MI will be similar to those in Moscow, Russia, as they are attempting to solve the same problem. Unfortunately, the criminals are also growing smarter and developing innovative new tactics all the time. The only certain weapons against these types of attacks is education and vigilance.
Derek Pursley is an influencer marketing pro with brownboxbranding.com who is passionate about building authentic relationships and helping businesses connect with their ideal online audience. He keeps his finger on the pulse of the ever-evolving digital marketing world by writing on the latest marketing advancements and focuses on developing customized blogger outreach plans based on industry and competition.