What is ransomware?

Ransomware is the blending of the words Ransom and the last portion of Software: ransom in English means a sum of money or payment demanded for the release of a prisoner (in this case our data), and ware is a shortening of the well-known word software. Ransomware is a subtype of malware, the blending of “malicious software.” It hijacks our information and extorts us to return it.

The amazing advances in technology allow us to connect everything to the same network. However, without continuous updates and maintenance of your programs and drivers, having so many devices can also become a new vulnerable way for different kinds of malware to violate your network.

We can conclude, therefore, that malware, and specifically ransomware, evolves at the same speed that technology does.

Ransomware acts by restricting access to parts of our personal information, or all of it, and in general, hackers exploit this to ask for something in return: money.

While some simple ransomware can lock down the system in a simple way, the most advanced ransomware uses a technique called “cryptoviral” extortion, in which the victim’s files are encrypted, making them completely inaccessible.

The first half of 2020 was marked in the tech world by the intensification of an old acquaintance: ransomware, an attack that allows hackers to access our personal information through a program that is installed on our phone, PC, or laptop. And that, without realizing it, many times we install it ourselves.

If you have a feeling any of your devices may be infected with ransomware, feel free to contact us for a free diagnostic. It is always best to be on the safe side.