Most Popular Methods Used By Hackers to Spread Ransomware

Ransomware is a malicious malware code usually designed to deny users access to their own systems until a ransom payment is paid to the creator of ransomware to achieve a decryption key. Ransomware is far more dangerous than normal malware, it is spread through many ways like phishing emails that contain malicious files, links, or other attachments.

Below are the three most popular methods used by hackers to spread ransomware:

1. Phishing Emails:

Phishing Emails are the most common method that hackers used to spread ransomware. Hackers use malicious attachments, such as links, and files. In emails. Hackers use various file formats, such as PDF, ZIP files, JavaScript, and even Word documents, to spread ransomware. When the victim opens an attachment or clicks on a link that contains a malicious file, then ransomware automatically begins in the system and starts infecting the entire victim system.

• Hacker creates malicious ransomware file or link for getting access to the user system.
• Hacker emails malicious files to the target.
• Ransomware automatically penetrates into the system when targeting open attachments or clicking on the link.
• Once the ransomware encrypts the data and takes hold of the victim’s system, the hackers demand a ransom payment for the decryption key. Which is used to decrypt the encrypted system.

 

2. Remote Desktop Protocol:

A most famous mechanism in which attackers are infecting victims through the Remote Desktop (opens in a new tab) Protocol (RDP). As the call implies, the Remote Desktop Protocol was created to allow IT directors to soundly get admission to a user’s system remotely to configure it, or to definitely use the system. RDP usually runs over port 3389.

While commencing doorways to a tool for valid use has many benefits, it additionally offers a possibility for an awful actor to take advantage of it for illegitimate use. In 2017, it became decided that over 10 million machines are marketing and marketing themselves to the public network as having port 3389 open, i.e., they’re strolling RDP over 3389.

 

3. Removable Device:

Every day we use removable storage devices like pen drives, external hard drives, etc. to save data. Organizations also use removable media to transfer data from one system to another. Therefore, hackers always try to break into the system using removable devices. Hackers use this method when they want to get through to an organization. Ransomware is the virus most commonly used by hackers to get into systems via USB devices.

• Hacker Put malicious code of ransomware into the USB.
• Hacker sends malicious USB to the Target organization.
• When the USB is plugged into the system, the ransomware will automatically enter the system.
• Hackers can access the system only after the ransomware has successfully captured the system.

 

Preventive Measures:

1. Back up your files regularly to reduce data loss.
2. Never click on attachments in emails from unknown senders.
3. Avoid downloading different types of unknown files like archive files (.zip, .rar), etc., as attackers hide malicious programs in these file types.
4. Download files, software, etc. from verified sources.
5. Use powerful antivirus and security suit to protect the system from different types of malware.
6. Always update your software and operating system.

Note: This article is only written for educational purposes.