One of the biggest security threats on the web is ransomware. It is a type of malware that aims to encrypt the files of a system and then ask for a financial ransom. Over time it has perfected its ability and we have seen many different types. Now, is it really easy to sneak a ransomware ? In this article we are going to talk about why it is easier than it seems.
Sneaking a ransomware is not difficult
It may seem that infecting us with ransomware is not easy and that hackers are going to have to use very complex techniques. However, the truth is that it is easier than it seems. Even on the Dark Web they sell kits prepared so that someone without much experience can use them.
file by mail
A clear example is through a simple file that arrives by email . For example a Word or Excel document can contain ransomware. The attacker is going to use some strategy so that we end up opening that e-mail and downloading the file that is going to contain the threat.
To avoid this, it is essential to maintain common sense. Simply by not making mistakes, such as downloading a file that arrives by mail without really knowing the source, we will already have a lot to gain in order to avoid cyber attacks of this type.
Download a program
Another common method is through software that we download . For example an application to edit photos, play videos, etc. Basically what they do is modify a program so that it looks legitimate but is actually going to contain the ransomware. Once we install it, the threat runs and starts encrypting files.
This time, what we must do to avoid this problem is to install applications only from official sources. You can go to the official website of that program or also use legitimate app stores, such as Google Play or Microsoft Store.
fake pages
They also often use fake pages. They can simulate that it is a real website, such as a social network, an information site, etc. But in reality that page will contain links to fraudulent content , which will have the ransomware ready to download and infect the system.
You should always navigate through secure pages and observe the URL very well so as not to fall into the trap. You can analyze if a link is safe. This will help you avoid problems that endanger the security of your computer.
use a flash drive
One more method that we could consider common and simple to sneak ransomware is through a pen drive . Different scenarios can occur here, but all of them will lead to the same thing: your computer infected with this threat and encrypted files. They can infect you if, for example, you go to a public computer and put this memory to save a document. Also even with the strategy of throwing a flash drive on the street, infected with ransomware, and that the victim puts it on his computer.
It is important that you avoid putting your flash drive in devices that could be dangerous. You can avoid this if you save the documents in the cloud, for example. Also, you should never put in your computer a memory that you have found on the street. At least not without guarantees.
In short, as you can see, it is relatively easy for a hacker to slip ransomware into you. You should always be protected, have a good antivirus, keep everything up to date and, most importantly, avoid making mistakes that cause this type of malware to enter your computer.
