Ransomware Attacks: How to Prevent and Respond to this Growing Threat
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Introduction
Ransomware attacks are ones in which an attacker encrypts or locks the data of an organization, rendering it inaccessible to the victim. If a company wants their data returned, they either pay the price or satisfy the attacker’s conditions. For example, if an organization is dealing with sensitive data, such as government corporations or health care data, these institutions rely on data and are unable to function if data is encrypted. So, in this situation, if the health care corporation refuses to meet the attacker’s demand, there is a chance of losing access to key potential data, or if the organization meets the attacker’s demand, they will lose too much money. As a result, in both circumstances, the organization must suffer. It is the obligation of the enterprise to protect its data from ransomware.
Ransomware assaults not only affect data but also organizational operational continuity, which in turn undermines the organization’s reputation, trust, and financial standing.
Common ways to execute the ransomware attack?
There can be multiple ways to execute the ransomware attack. Here I am discussing some common ways.
Social engineering
One of the most prevalent methods ransomware attacks are carried out is through social engineering. As attackers are aware, it is far easier to exploit human vulnerabilities and manipulate individuals than it is to exploit technological vulnerabilities. In it, an attacker can imitate trustworthy entities such as coworkers or friends to establish confidence, increasing the risk of an attack.
Social engineering attacks rely on psychological manipulation of the victim’s behavior. For example, if the attacker can instill a sense of urgency in his phishing email. So, in today’s cyber worlds, we talk about security and its attacks, but many users are unaware of phishing, and attackers frequently exploit them as the victim in order to get access.
