Ransomware has always been one of the most malicious computer viruses ever designed. Most ransomware packages operate by infecting the users’ PCs and locking them out of their files through encryption. The ransomware then generates a ransom note for the users with instructions on how to make the payment in order to gain back control of their files.

However, most of the average users are still in the dark about what ransomware actually is and how much danger it posses for them. So here are some of the most important ransomware facts that users should be aware of:

  • In a survey conducted by CyberSecurity that covered nearly 1000 companies; both multinational and SME, nearly 53% of all corporations interviewed admitted to being attacked by some kind of ransomware. While an additional 15% stated that they were hit by a virus attack but could not classify it as ransomware.
  • Out of the 53% corporations targeted, 82% were able to gain back control of their files, data and PCs through the System Restore option using their backups. 26% of these companies additionally reported the act to law enforcement while only 3% paid the ransom amount demanded.
  • 59% of the companies experienced a complete disruption in their business activities leading to severe damages in the form of financial loss as well as harm to their reputation.
  • Perhaps most alarmingly, in almost 60% of ransomware attacks, there is an involvement of an internal employee. Other factors like lack of a formidable backup plan and being exposed due to third-party service providers were also noted.
  • The most popular ransomware of 2017 were Necurs, Locky, Jaff, Dridex, GandCrab, and NotPetya. And there was no sector immune from these attacks as governments in the US, UK, Ukraine, Russia and South Korea found themselves infected by one of these viruses. Even hospitals were not safe as 47 NHS Hospitals in the UK were infected by the WannaCry ransomware, putting the confidential information, such as medical records and billing information of nearly 8 million Brits, in jeopardy.
  • 71% of all ransomware attacks were successful and the only way to restore control over your files was to contact a cyber security experts
  • While ransomware payments demanded were $373 and $294 in 2015 and 2016 respectively, it skyrocketed to $1,077 in 2017 because of the rising popularity of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in ransomware payments.
  • Perhaps horrifyingly, paying the ransom doesn’t always guarantee safe return of data as 80% of the infected users reported that they never got their data decrypted. While a further 56 % reported to have been targeted multiple times.
  • Ransomware payments are now a billion dollar industry as the total global amount paid to ransomware developers is expected to exceed $6 billion in 2018.

For assistance on file recovery, please contact MonsterCloud Cyber Security experts for a professional ransomware removal. 

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