Buzz
In recent times, ransomware attacks have been rampant, notably the WannaCry ransomware and more recently the Petya ransomware attack. Once infiltrated, these ransomware encrypt system data and files, demanding victims to pay a ransom to regain access to their data.
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware, a formidable descendant of malware, has surged in recent times. Its elusive nature makes it challenging to track and understand its core functionalities.
Operational Mechanism of Ransomware
Ransomware primarily infiltrates through emails. Concealed within innocuous-looking emails, it evades detection by any anti-malware software on the targeted computer.
Being undetected as spam, this ransomware gains access to the users' inbox within their compromised systems. These emails mimic legitimate ones, often featuring links to Software as a Service (SaaS) applications. Upon clicking these links, users are redirected to another webpage.
These websites also sport interfaces akin to genuine ones. Upon user consent to download files from the site, the application files initiate the process of seizing control over the queried computer.
Antivirus programs also fail to detect ransomware, as it disguises itself as a legitimate application. Hence, detecting and thwarting ransomware attacks prove to be exceedingly difficult until they unfold. Nonetheless, you can explore some methods to combat ransomware here.
Once ransomware manifests itself on a computer, it encrypts all files on the hard drive. Consequently, users lose access to a significant amount of data on their computers. If access to critical information on their computers becomes unattainable, users' only recourse is to reinstall the operating system.
After encrypting the data, ransomware demands a ransom to allow users access to their files and data once more. Additionally, ransomware spreads to other computers within the same network system.
In general, ransomware targets companies, compelling them to pay a ransom to retrieve their valuable data.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Ransomware of All Time
Ransomware is almost undetectable, which is why it has become a hot topic of interest among users recently. For many large companies, removing ransomware as early as possible is crucial, as ransomware primarily targets companies and enterprises that have the capability to pay ransom and recover their company data.
However, there are various types of ransomware, each with different operational mechanisms, requiring different solutions to thwart the attacks caused by ransomware. Below is a list of the top 10 most dangerous ransomware of all time.
Locky
This is one of the recent prominent ransomware, marking the onset of the surge in ransomware attacks in the early months of 2016. It was first detected in early February last year, a time when ransomware was still relatively detectable.
As a result, one of the major ransomware attacks occurred in 2016. After a hospital was infected with this ransomware and hospital administrators had no choice but to pay a ransom of 40 bitcoins, equivalent to over $17,000 USD.
In reality, Locky is the reason ransomware has become so prevalent today.
TeslaCrypt
This ransomware had a remarkable run in 2016 and was also employed in several other attacks. TeslaCrypt is no longer active, as developers released a key after removing TeslaCrypt from various systems.
Victims of TeslaCrypt ransomware can utilize this key to regain access to their files without having to pay any ransom.
However, it's important to note that without this key, users cannot access their files, hence TeslaCrypt still ranks among the most dangerous ransomware.
HDDCryptor
HDDCryptor has the ability to access previously connected hard drives to the system, thus making its destructive potential far greater than many other types of ransomware. This is why HDDCryptor is included in the list of the top 10 most dangerous ransomware of all time.
One of the hidden aspects of this ransomware is its capability to damage and overwrite the operating system's boot files, resulting in users seeing a ransom demand window displayed on the screen instead of the usual login window.
CryLocker
This is one of the most malicious types of ransomware, terrorizing users in all countries worldwide. Once becoming a victim of CryLocker, it's very difficult to refuse the ransom it demands, which depends on the information CryLocker holds about you, including your name, date of birth, and IP address.
CryLocker has brought in a substantial amount of money for its developers through the customized communications it provides.
Cerber
This ransomware is capable of attacking entire servers, rendering users unable to access them. Importantly, this ransomware can use and display multiple languages, and in certain situations, ransom information is conveyed through an application and added to the software.
Cerber emerged silently and caused so much devastation that it earned the title of a serious threat. Cerber is considered an extremely dangerous ransomware, despite being cracked, yet it still persists due to the perseverance of its developers.
Petya and Mischa
This is a prime example of ransomware provided as a service, often purchased by users. The most notable aspect of this ransomware is its contingency plan for almost any conceivable situation, thus the likelihood of Petya and Mischa victims having to pay a ransom is very high. Without paying the ransom, the situation for Petya and Mischa victims will only worsen.
Chimera
Chimera is another prime example of how ransomware has evolved in recent years. Notably, this ransomware allows its victims the opportunity to join and become its 'members,' attacking other systems.
This partially explains why Chimera has become so widespread; this ransomware offers its victims the chance to earn more money than they lost, accelerating the spread of Chimera.
Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of this ransomware is that it makes people willing to use it to attack others.
Jigsaw
This ransomware is named after the serial killer from the Saw movie franchise. Once it has taken hold of a system, Jigsaw will extend a deadline of approximately 1 day for victims to pay the ransom.
After the 1-day deadline, if the victim fails to pay the ransom, Jigsaw will begin deleting data piece by piece every hour until the ransom is received, upon which it will return the data to the victim or leave the hard drive completely empty.
This is one of the attack methods that Jigsaw employs, targeting a wide range of businesses. Many Jigsaw victims have suffered data loss for failing to pay the ransom within its specified time frame.
Samsam
The notable aspect of this ransomware is its speed and scope of propagation, spreading quite rapidly until it 'consumes' the entire system in a very short period of time.
One of the main benefits that this ransomware brings to its developers is its ability to infect numerous computers in a short amount of time before users realize what's happening.
The total ransom amount is significantly higher, and victims have no choice but to pay this ransom to retrieve their valuable data held by Samsam.
Cryptowall
Cryptowall stands as one of the most significant ransomware variants, developed since 2014, becoming one of the earliest discovered ransomware. Despite not causing extensive damage, it quietly targeted a number of objectives, which is why this ransomware still persists.
Aside from the Top 10 most dangerous ransomware of all time mentioned by Mytour above, there have recently been new ransomware variants emerging. Users worldwide cannot forget the attacks of WannCry Ransomware and Petya Ransomware. To gain a better understanding and more information about WannCry Ransomware and Petya Ransomware, readers can refer to additional articles. Understanding the article on Petya Ransomware - its prevention, identification, and protection methods - will greatly assist in avoiding these ransomware types.
Mytour has just introduced to you the workings of ransomware as well as the top 10 most dangerous ransomware of all time. If you have additional information about other ransomware types and their operations, share them with Mytour by leaving your comments below the article.
