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What are some of the biggest ransomware attacks in history?

In May of 2017, WannaCry made headlines around the world when it successfully infected more than 230,000 computers in 150 countries, encrypting users’ files and demanding a ransom in Bitcoin in order to decrypt them. The attack primarily hit hospitals and other critical infrastructure, causing widespread panic and disruption.

In October of the same year, another ransomware attack known as NotPetya (also called Petrwrap and exPetr) hit computer systems around the world, including those of big names like Maersk, Merck, and WPP. This time, the attack didn’t rely on a vulnerability in Microsoft’s system like WannaCry did; instead, it used a compromised update for Ukrainian accounting software called MEDoc to spread. NotPetya was eventually traced back to Russia, leading some to believe that it was deliberately created to damage Ukrainian infrastructure.

While WannaCry and NotPetya were both major ransomware attacks that caused a lot of damage, they’re not the only ones worth mentioning. CryptoLocker, for example, was a ransomware attack that hit in 2013 and was one of the first to really bring ransomware to the mainstream. The attack used email attachments and infected websites to spread, and was eventually responsible for encrypting more than 500,000 files.

Another notable attack is Locky, which first emerged in early 2016. Locky used a variety of methods to spread, including email attachments, malicious links, and even infected advertising on websites. The attack was particularly notable for its use of social engineering, with the emails it used appearing to come from legitimate companies like DHL and FedEx.

Ransomware attacks are becoming increasingly common, and it’s not hard to see why. They’re relatively easy to pull off, and can be extremely profitable for attackers. As long as there are people willing to pay the ransom, these attacks are likely to continue..View Source

What are the most common ransomware strains?

Most common ransomware strains include:

Cryptowall

CTB-Locker

Dharma

Locky

Petya

SMBEcrypt

TeslaCrypt

Thesecommon ransomware strains have been known to specifically target individual users, small businesses, and even major organizations. They typically work by encrypting victims’ files and then demanding a ransom payment in order to decrypt and restore access to the data. In some cases, the attackers may even threaten to delete the data entirely if the ransom is not paid.

While ransomware can be a serious threat, there are some steps that users can take to protect themselves. First, it’s important to have reliable backup systems in place so that files can be restored in the event of an attack. Additionally, users should be cautious about opening email attachments or clicking on links from unknown sources, as this is often how ransomware is initially delivered. Finally, keeping security software up-to-date can help to prevent infection in the first place.

Visit malwarezero.org to learn more about ransomware. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.