Information systems permeate the fabric of everyday life. Families use them to remain in touch, organize their lives, and store memories. Multibillion dollar businesses use them to store critical data, increase efficiency, and maximize profits. They exist on cell phones, laptops, ATMs, televisions, servers, and more. A vast amount of data is gathered, stored, and processed from millions of devices worldwide to influence commerce and advise governments. Information systems and the data they produce and store can save lives and start wars, among a multitude of other things. Because of this, information systems present a tempting target for attackers wishing to use them for personal gain, either through hacking or malicious software. One particular type of malicious software has been on the rise in recent years: ransomware. This paper will examine what ransomware is, how it has developed over the years, the effects it has, and how it can be prevented and dealt with.
Defining Ransomware …show more content…
It is broadly divided into two types: lockscreen ransomware and encryption ransomware (Microsoft Malware Protection Center). The former prevents access to files by using a full-screen message, while the latter encrypts files with a key known only to the attackers (Microsoft Malware Protection Center). In both cases, the goal for the attacker is to make the victim’s files inaccessible until the victim pays a “ransom” to get them back (Savage, et al
Defining Ransomware …show more content…
It is broadly divided into two types: lockscreen ransomware and encryption ransomware (Microsoft Malware Protection Center). The former prevents access to files by using a full-screen message, while the latter encrypts files with a key known only to the attackers (Microsoft Malware Protection Center). In both cases, the goal for the attacker is to make the victim’s files inaccessible until the victim pays a “ransom” to get them back (Savage, et al