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What Is Ransomware, How It Work And Ways To Stay Safe


Have you ever woken up to a message demanding money in exchange for access to your computer? This isn’t a scene from a dystopian movie; it’s the chilling reality of ransomware, a form of cyber extortion that has become a major threat in today’s digital world.

Ransomware has become a pervasive cyber threat, wreaking havoc on individuals and businesses alike. According to a 2023 report by Cybersecurity Ventures, global ransomware damages are projected to reach a staggering $265 billion by 2031!

These attacks not only cause financial losses but can also disrupt critical operations, damage reputations, and even pose legal and regulatory challenges. But what is ransomware? How exactly does it work? Who are its common targets? And most importantly, how can you defend yourself from becoming the next victim? In this article, we’ll discuss these things in detail.

What is Ransomware?

What is Ransomware

Ransomware is a malicious software program, or malware, specifically designed to hold a victim’s data or device hostage. Imagine a digital kidnapper – ransomware encrypts your crucial files, databases, or even locks you out of your entire system. The attacker then demands a ransom payment, typically in cryptocurrency, in exchange for the decryption key or regaining access.

Ransomware has become a significant threat in the digital age, causing billions of dollars in damages and disrupting businesses and individuals alike.

Types of Ransomware

There are two main types of ransomware, each employing a different tactic to extort victims:

  • Crypto-Ransomware (Encryptors): This is the most prevalent and well-known strain. Crypto-ransomware encrypts a victim’s valuable data, rendering it inaccessible. This could include essential documents, photos, financial records, or entire databases. The attacker then demands a ransom payment, typically in cryptocurrency, for the decryption key – the only way to unlock the files and regain access.
  • Locker Ransomware: This variant doesn’t encrypt files but rather locks the user out of their entire device or system. Imagine being blocked from your desktop screen, with a ransom note prominently displayed, demanding payment to regain control. While less sophisticated…

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Hackers out to get you? Here’s 5 tips to stay ahead


“In today’s connected world, it is a matter of when rather than if you will experience someone trying to hack you.” – Cybersecurity experts.

Your mobile gadgets may be your pride and joy, but for cybercriminals, they’re gold-in-transit.

Truth is, technology has simplified our lives, making it easy to communicate with people from all corners of the globe, but it has also left us vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

Think about it, your cell phone contains nearly every detail of your life – your pictures, personal information, and even your banking credentials.

Having control of your admin at your fingertips may be convenient, but guess who else appreciates the ease of access – the guy on the world-wide-web eagerly waiting for a chance to pounce.

ALSO READ: How the ‘get to know me’ social media challenge could end in tears

‘It’s only a matter of time’

“In today’s connected world, it is a matter of when rather than if you will experience someone trying to hack you.

“With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated in their attempts, it is possible that at some point or another you may interact with a scammer or click on a phishing link,” said Kaspersky, a cybersecurity firm.

Since we’ve reached the point of no return when it comes to the use of technology, the only option available is to beef up our online security.

Kaspersky shared useful tips to apply as you navigate your way in the digital era.

Don’t give any more information

Cell phone usage has become somewhat a thoughtless exercise, with users paying less attention as they scroll on the Internet.

Kaspersky cautioned Internet users against giving away their information online.

“If something feels ‘off’ about a website you are led to after clicking a link, asking for your name, email, phone number, or bank card information, close it immediately.”

Criminals have also been increasingly attempting to scam people via phone calls, often asking for personal information.

“If you are talking to someone on the phone, and the conversation seems even just a little strange, hang up immediately and do not answer if they call back.

“And if you…

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Windows PCs are now being hit by dangerous malware — here’s the steps you need to take to stay safe


It’s been a while since we heard about malware hiding in PyPI packages, but researchers have now reported finding almost a dozen lurking on the open source Python Package Index (PyPI) repository.

Cybersecurity researchers from Fortinet’s FortiGuard Labs found nine packages delivering the WhiteSnake Stealer. The packages are called nigpal, figflix, telerer, seGMM, fbdebug, sGMM, myGens, NewGends, and TestLibs111. WhiteSnake is a Windows infostealer, capable of working around antivirus programs, and communicates with the C2 server via the Tor protocol, the researchers explained.

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This new macOS backdoor lets hackers take over your Mac remotely — how to stay safe


Hackers are beefing up their efforts to go after the best MacBooks as security researchers have discovered a brand new macOS backdoor which appears to have ties to another recently identified Mac malware strain.

As reported by SecurityWeek, this new Mac malware has been dubbed SpectralBlur and although it was uploaded to VirusTotal back in August of last year, it remained undetected by the best antivirus software until it recently caught the attention of Proofpoint’s Greg Lesnewich.

In a blog post, Lesnewich explained that SpectralBlur has similar capabilities to other backdoors as it can upload and download files, delete files and hibernate or sleep when given commands from a hacker-controlled command-and-control (C2) server. What is surprising about this new Mac malware strain though is that it shares similarities to the KandyKorn macOS backdoor which was created by the infamous North Korean hacking group Lazarus.

Just like SpectralBlur, KandyKorn is designed to evade detection while providing the hackers behind it with the ability to monitor and control infected Macs. Although different, these two Mac malware strains appear to be built based on the same requirements.

Once installed on a vulnerable Mac, SpectralBlur executes a function that allows it to decrypt and encrypt network traffic to help it avoid being detected. However, it can also erase files after opening them and then overwrite the data they contain with zeros.

Mac malware is on the rise

If you thought your Mac was safe from hackers and malware, I’ve got bad news for you. Cybercriminals may have preferred Windows machines in the past but now that Apple’s computers have seen a surge in popularity over the past few years, they’ve become a much more valuable target.

According to a blog post from the non-profit Objective-See (via The Hacker News), 21 new malware strains designed to target macOS were discovered in 2023 alone. This is a significant increase compared to the previous year when only 13 Mac malware strains were identified.

As such, expect to see even more Mac malware this year as hackers and other cybercriminals have seen firsthand just how valuable it can be targeting Apple’s computers over the best…

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