A closer look at the huge global threat that is ransomware

First off, ransomware is not entirely new. It has been around for many years now, but only in recent times has attacks of this nature become more prevalent and more dangerous. This is not helped by the arrival of RaaS or ransomware-as-service offerings by cybercriminals, who provide via the deep web compact kits for launching ransomware campaigns.

Image source: kaspersky.com

Ransomware is essentially malware that enters systems via malicious codes, with the intent of encrypting them and locking users out. In effect, a ransomware-affected device is held hostage, and you’d have no access to your sensitive data. Cybercriminals then demand a ransom (now increasingly payable via cryptocurrency) before you regain access to the device.

Image source: tripwire.com

It is highly advisable that even if you do become a victim of ransomware that you don’t pay the said ransom, as it will just propagate and fund future attacks. Moreover, many users don’t even get the decryption keys even after they’ve paid up.


Prevention is therefore key. To avoid becoming part of the growing ransomware-victim statistics, always make sure that your devices are protected by comprehensive, 24/7, and reliable anti-malware software. Set these to automatically update to newer versions.


Also, ensure that you regularly back up your data, whether on physical external storage devices or online cloud platforms. Finally, be smart; don’t click on any suspicious attachments or links sent via your email or private messages from various social media sites.


Secure Channels provides solutions for access control, data protection, adaptable encryption, enterprise confidentiality solutions, and proximity-based monitoring. Check out this pagefor more posts and insights on data security.

Biggest Ransomware Attacks In History

Over the last few years, ransomware attacks have shifted from targeting individuals to more lucrative targets like companies, government offices, and corporations.  This has led to massive ransomware outbreaks in the past which have resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of damages, ransom payments, and business stoppages.  Here are some of the biggest ransomware attacks in history.

WannaCry was the most reported ransomware variant in history and for good reasons.  The ransomware spread like wildfire in 2016 which initially affected Europe and reached a total of 116 countries in just four days.  Cybersecurity companies place the number of detections to a quarter of a million during the height of the attack.  The cybercriminals behind WannaCry utilized hacking tools stolen from the NSA and used it to spread the ransomware onto outdated Windows systems. This attack affected healthcare providers, financial institutions, automotive industries, and a wide range of corporations.

Image source: lanlink.com.br

If WannaCry wasn’t enough, it was followed by NotPetya, a ransomware that employed the same exploits used in WannaCry.  This showed that even with the major scare of WannaCry, many corporations and companies were still reluctant to update their systems which could have prevented the disaster.

Lastly, ransomware is no longer limited to just infecting Windows and Linux based systems as proven by SimpleLocker.  This ransomware was the first Android-based ransomware which blocked users from accessing their files.  And unlike previous variants of mobile ransomware, victims of SimpleLocker could only access the files with the scammer’s help.

Image source: en.wikipedia.org

Secure Channels solves issues that deal with access control, data protection, adaptable encryption, enterprise confidentiality solutions, and proximity-based monitoring and capabilities to help its clients’ ever-changing needs. For more reads on cybersecurity, visit this blog.