How Does Ransomware Spread Through a Network?

You are working on your laptop and install any software from the ads appearing on the website. After a few minutes, your computer gets slow, and the software does not work properly. A message keeps popping up for a file or any issue.

Unfortunately, it is because of the attack of the virus. That virus is Ransomware malicious software that corrupts your PC’s data.

If you don’t know how does ransomware spread, its symptoms, and solutions, then don’t worry. This is because we will explain all the things in the upcoming sections.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is malware that blocks entry to a computer or any file on the computer. It targets the critical data. Ransomware malicious software accesses the files in the affected computer and encrypts them.

This virus attacks the computer and then demands ransom money to give the access back.

Ransomware viruses are of different levels, we can retrieve data back from some of them or low-level attack, but it becomes difficult if the attack is severe.

Ransomware Examples

The trojan is the ransomware virus that was detected in 1989. Other examples of ransomware are Locky, CryptoLocker, Bad Rabbit, and more.

How Does Ransomware Spread?

One start receiving a different kind of emails that are a scam, social links or offers in spam. You come across several sites when you search for a topic on the internet. You click on download and site shows, accept, and decline, block or your browser shows it insecure. From there might be a virus can enter your computer.

a) Portable Devices

Commonly USB or portable devices also become a source of malware.

b) Social Media

Whenever one uses social media, he does not check if the link received is from a trusted one or not. By clicking that link, our systems get hacked.

c) PDF Files

The same goes for the pdf files we receive via emails or on social media.

d) Malware Advertising

The malware advertisement or malvertising is also a way of spreading malware.

e) RDP Network Connection

Another ransomware attack is through the RDP network connection request from port 3389. Once you connect, the cybercriminals have control over the user’s PC by removing the security.

f) Cracked Software

If you are looking for a cracked version of any software and reaches are malicious site offering this. That pirated software can be harmful to the system.

Ransomware Symptoms

There can be different symptoms that alert you about the malicious activity on your PC. we have discussed some of them below:

a) Error Message

Whenever you click on a file to open, it shows an error message as “Windows cannot open the file” or remove that file from the location. It can be like you do not find your file at an expected location. That means you are a victim of an encryption malware virus.

b) PC Slows Down

Your computer slows down and software lags while operating. There can be many reasons for this, but the malicious virus can be one of them.

c) Frequent Crashes

Your system or applications on the system crash frequently. PC update again and again or interrupted by any other thing that forces you to close the program.

d) Unknown Emails

You receive weird emails with links, pdf, or advertising. You will find these emails in the spam folder.

e) No Control

Your active directory does not remain in your control, and your backups get crooked.

f) Splash Screen

A splash screen hinders you while working with any software. This screen will make it difficult for you to work on the computer.

How Quickly Does Ransomware Spread?

Ransomware malicious software spreads faster than you think. It takes only 3 seconds to infect your computer.

Are you shocked that how this virus spreads so fast?

It is because ransomware does not encrypt the complete file but only 154Kb of the file using a stream cipher algorithm. The cybercriminal will do major changes to your system until you concern with some to check the problem.

How to Detect Ransomware?

The most challenging step is detecting the ransomware attack. Following are the practices to be followed for ransomware detection:

a) Antivirus

Install any antivirus software on your PCs. It will let you know in case of any threat.

b) Firewall

Keep your firewall “ON”. Allow the firewall exploit kit detection feature. This will prevent you from malware attacks.

Recommended Read Firewalls and How They Work?

c) Download From Trusted Source

Keep checking your emails. Download nothing from the email if it is not from a trusted source. Also encrypting email makes it secure.

d) System Monitoring

Monitor your system from time to time and check the files and other software. Also, check the network for vulnerabilities.

e) Necessary Training

Train your lab operators and staff about the ransomware virus and its attacks.

Read Why is Cyber Security Important?

How to Remove Ransomware?

It only takes some seconds to get infected through the ransomware virus but hours to recover it. The solutions to remove the ransomware virus are:

a) Delete Data

The most common way is to delete all the data and then restore a clean backup.

b) Decryption Tools

Programmers have developed some decryption tools that help in recovering the data.

c) Last Solution – Pay Ransom

If you do not have any way to recover the data yourself or with the help of any IT help desk, then the easiest solution is to pay the ransom amount.

Final Words

Ransomware malware is a targeted virus. Mostly the cybercriminals attack the secret or critical data of the business or company and demand for some amount. So, be aware of these kinds of attacks and get knowledge about how does ransomware spread. Moreover, follow the precautions to protect your data.

Also, Read Database Security Best Practices Checklist