What is Ransomware?
Ransomware, or ransom malware, is a type of malware that infects a machine and prevents a user from accessing their system or files – demanding a ransom payment in order to regain access.
This method of cybercrime isn’t new, in fact, records show that ransomware was active in the late 1980s, with payment being sent by hand, compared to today’s payments being sent via bank transfer, credit cards and cryptocurrency.
See more Cyber Security Definitions.
Types of Ransomware
Screen Locker
Screen lockers take over your entire screen, locking all functions, displaying an alarming message demanding payment. Messages can sometimes include authoritative logos like the FBI to add authenticity and state illegal activity has taken place on your machine and you must pay a fine.
The reality is, no illegal activity has taken place, but even if it did, the FBI or local authorities would never lock your machine and demand payment – that itself is illegal.
Crypto Locker
A crypto locker is similar to the above screen locker, doing the same thing by displaying a message demanding payment, however, a crypto locker actually encrypts your files, and unless a ransom demand is met – those files will remain locked down or worse still, deleted.
How to Protect Your Business from Ransomware?
Let us introduce you to the Advantex ACT (Advanced Cybersecurity Technologies) suite, utilising the industries most intelligent and powerful solutions from the cloud, we can help educate, protect and restore your business from ransomware and any other vulnerabilities online – giving you maximum protection and ultimately empowering you and your workforce into making better and safer day-to-day decisions online.
– Educate
Advantex Educate eliminates your organisation’s human cyber risk and transforms user behaviour into just one simple and easy-to-use solution, all managed in-house here at Advantex.
– Protect
Utilising the industries most intelligent and powerful solutions from the cloud, Advantex Protect gives your business and its users the ultimate protection and peace of mind from online threats, no matter where they are across the globe.
– Restore
Knowing your data and digital assets are in safe hands allows you to focus on what’s most important, your business. With Advantex Restore, you can benefit from safe, secure, and scalable offsite services – including storage, backup and recovery for any data or system, anytime, anywhere.
