- Jun 9, 2013
- 6,720
In the period between 2015 and 2016 there is been an increase in the total number of users who encountered ransomware. It rose by 17.7% compared to previous year and, as it seems, it doesn’t show any signs of stopping.
Owners of small businesses are experiencing a great hip of ransomware attacks since they present a great attacking point to cyber criminals. As a matter of fact, a security report states, that 54% of UK companies were hit by ransomware in the last year. The problem that arises here, as National Cyber Security Alliace states, is that 60% of small businesses hit by cyber attacks end up going out of business.
Everyone is a target; therefore we all should take needed precautions and most importantly always
stay informed on the latest variants and ransomware discoveries. CBR listed the latest versions:
El Gato
This one is for Android users. Cat-themed ransomware displays cute cat images once users’ device has been infected and locked. It has the ability to steal users SMS Messages, encrypt their files and also has botnet capabilities. It is not an advanced variant since it is find to be easily decrypted.
Hitler
Here, most probably the name of the ransomware should tell a lot. However, it has been discovered by a Jakub Kroustek, malware analyst who stated that this ransomware was developed by less-skilled hackers that for the attack method used file detection. Once you become a victim it will display a picture of Hitler. It doesn’t even encrypt files, so what it does is that it removes the extension for all the files under different directories. The ransom that the victim had to pay was 25 Euro Vodafone Card. However, if the victim refused to pay, the ransomware would crash victims’ computer and delete all files. So, here a good offline back up would be a good prevention.
Full Article. Zemana Blog: What are the most recent ransomware discoveries?
Owners of small businesses are experiencing a great hip of ransomware attacks since they present a great attacking point to cyber criminals. As a matter of fact, a security report states, that 54% of UK companies were hit by ransomware in the last year. The problem that arises here, as National Cyber Security Alliace states, is that 60% of small businesses hit by cyber attacks end up going out of business.
Everyone is a target; therefore we all should take needed precautions and most importantly always
stay informed on the latest variants and ransomware discoveries. CBR listed the latest versions:
El Gato
This one is for Android users. Cat-themed ransomware displays cute cat images once users’ device has been infected and locked. It has the ability to steal users SMS Messages, encrypt their files and also has botnet capabilities. It is not an advanced variant since it is find to be easily decrypted.
Hitler
Here, most probably the name of the ransomware should tell a lot. However, it has been discovered by a Jakub Kroustek, malware analyst who stated that this ransomware was developed by less-skilled hackers that for the attack method used file detection. Once you become a victim it will display a picture of Hitler. It doesn’t even encrypt files, so what it does is that it removes the extension for all the files under different directories. The ransom that the victim had to pay was 25 Euro Vodafone Card. However, if the victim refused to pay, the ransomware would crash victims’ computer and delete all files. So, here a good offline back up would be a good prevention.
Full Article. Zemana Blog: What are the most recent ransomware discoveries?
