Encryption is the coding of data or any files from a readable format to an encoded text to protect the file or its contents. These files can only be accessed if the person who encrypted it has the key to decrypt it. Since the last few years, it has been seen that these viruses have risen and given lots of headaches to big cooperate companies. From hospitals to personal computers, malicious malware has taken the internet by storm.
The sad reality is the payment that has to be made in exchange for the data encrypted by ransomware people. The spread of viruses is not limited to emails, attachments or online programs. It has spread across the internet through peer to peer sharing, LAN, WAN, and wireless networks. Recently many attacks have been seen targeting corporations like eBay, Amazon and many other online retailers. These viruses are spread through websites when a client connects to web pages and tries to download a suggested program or app. Usually, the encrypted virus is hidden in the file and detaches itself once it is in the system.
How do they work? It is not as simple, but usually, these viruses are spread to different computer systems and thousands of networks are affected. These small units then become a part of one major break down and cause a system to halt.
Another way of infecting a system is by downloading from an unknown source, sometimes a host that is not a registered provider. Many times, people tend to download things from unknown sources to save money, committing serious offenses like piracy and theft. These sources are also the hub of malware software that enters the system without any indication and decrypts everything.
An example of these is the use of default programs like an email program. The email ids are usually registered through legit accounts and are used everywhere in the world. As the same process is used everywhere, such software is an easy target. If you are using a default program, then it is extremely important to upgrade your antivirus and run it through your system.
Another way used by hackers is to spread the virus through Wi-Fi or data sharing. The Wi-Fi or data happens to take over the system and as soon as an outside device is connected to it, the computer gets affected and a ransom page shows on the monitor screen. To avoid being infected by these viruses, it is important to know how the disease has affected the body. If the virus has spread through a downloaded app, then it is essential to train the user to avoid doing so. If the cause was a shared file, then a virus scanner should be installed.
Moreover, users must be properly trained and tested to be able to combat any kind of worms or malware. This will at least lessen the risk of getting infected a lot.
