Know Your Enemy: How Ransomware Payments Happen

One of the most common ways to get duped is through ransomware, a method hackers use to take over your device and hold it for ransom until you pay them a predetermined amount. These types of attacks target both individuals and organizations, usually prompting larger ransom payouts from companies rather than individuals, but they can be quite pricey either way.

Read More: Malicious Ransomware Could Be Around the Corner

Protecting yourself from ransomware can be tricky, but dfndr security offers solid protection for your Android device with advanced, anti-hacking capabilities that safeguard you from malicious websites before you even tap on a link.

If you’ve never heard of ransomware, it’s vital to know in case an attack ever happens to you.

Malware That Spreads Easily
Ransomware is a form of malware that takes a device hostage until a “ransom” is paid, usually in the form of Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency which is virtually untraceable and protects the hacker’s identity. These types of viruses usually begin as a phony email posing as a friend or co-worker, containing a link you’re encouraged to click on. Once malware infects a system, it can spread from machine to machine, or if a single device is affected, a hacker can gain full control over the phone.

Easy targets of ransomware attacks are device owners with older operating systems that do not have adequate security software. Once hackers take over your device, you will be given a certain amount of time to pay, usually around 72 to 96 hours. If you fail to pay, your device will likely be permanently locked.

South Korea is Largest Target
A recent study discovered that people in South Korea get targeted more frequently than anywhere else. About 20,000 people were targeted all over the world for $16 million worth of ransomware and around $2.5 million of these attacks were collected from device owners in South Korea.

Yikes, What Should I Do?
One way to protect yourself from ransomware attacks is by backing up your data somewhere else, like an external hard drive. If you get targeted, you can reset your device to the original factory settings, eliminating the ransomware. You can then transfer old files to the device and avoid paying the ransom. However, hackers may still be able to target your device sometime in the future as ransomware worms are easy to modify.

Security Apps Protect You the Best
In order to avoid these attacks altogether, the best thing you can do is download a security app that protects you from a variety of attacks. With dfndr security’s anti-hacking feature, your device will block phishing attempts while you navigate the web, as well as other malware designed to take your money.

Though ransomware is disturbing, with awareness you can still preempt a strike from hackers and continue enjoying your online world without worrying.