Microsoft Warns that Some Ransomware Takes 45 Minutes

Ransomware is one of the threats that can affect users the most. As we know, the goal of hackers is to encrypt computers and files. This usually takes time, even weeks. However, Microsoft now warns that some attacks of this type need less than 45 minutes . This exacerbates the problem and makes it difficult to protect ourselves.

Some ransomware attacks take less than 45 minutes

This type of attack usually requires a prior strategy that lasts a while. It can last for days or weeks. The attack is not carried out immediately and we have talked about this on other occasions. We already explained how ransomware works.

Microsoft Warns that Some Ransomware

But now Microsoft has warned that some ransomware attacks need less than 45 minutes to complete the entire process. They have made a report between July 2019 and June 2020 where they have analyzed the different types of attacks, how they act, the weather, etc.

In this report they have verified that one of the threats that has grown and improved the most has been Phishing. Especially in recent months it has adapted to the pandemic, attacking strategic users and organizations.

But the main alert comes when they mention the weather. They say that this year hackers have been much faster to carry out ransomware attacks . They have notably reduced the time, especially during the months that we have been in the pandemic. In fact, in some cases the whole process has not passed 45 minutes.

Malicious advertising to sneak in a new ransomware

If we talk about how ransomware is distributed, it should be noted that the methods are very varied. We can receive malicious files by email, enter pages configured to sneak malware, fraudulent links …

In this case, a group of cybercriminals behind the Exorcist 2.0 ransomware are using malicious advertising. The goal is none other than to redirect victims to download fake software.

Basically what they do is redirect users from legitimate sites to others controlled by the attackers. The victim downloads those files that they think are not dangerous, but are actually ransomware.

This site offers paid programs for free. They use that bait so that the victim falls into the trap and looks for a way to obtain proprietary software, without having to pay.

The economic demand that the Exorcist 2.0 ransomware is asking for ranges from € 250 to € 10,000. More than important amounts for any home user who is infected by this threat.

As we always say, one of the best barriers to avoiding this type of problem is common sense . We must always download from legitimate sites, be careful with files received by mail or possible fraudulent links. It is also vital to have security tools that can protect us, as well as install the latest security updates with which to protect our equipment. We leave you an article where we give advice on how to avoid ransomware and not put our systems at risk at any time.