When cloud computing emerged a few years ago, it introduced IT services namely Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). These services were provided by cloud service providers to different organizations of all sizes with monthly charges.
Ransomware removal experts found out that cybercriminals have taken a leaf out of this business model and developed their own service called Ransomware as a Service (RaaS).
Why RaaS is a Game Changer?
Earlier, ransomware attacks were carried out by criminals with a background in IT and Computer Science that were able to design and develop ransomware due to their knowledgebase. However, with RaaS, anyone without experience of Computer Science or IT can use the services of a ransomware provider and use their ransomware to attack others.
This means that now a bigger segment of individuals have the ability to distribute ransomware and extort money and thus it has been identified as one of the key reasons behind the growing number of ransomware attacks.
How Does RaaS Work?
According to ransomware removal experts, Cybercriminals realized that the only option to earn money through ransomware was not attacking people directly. Hence, they added one more revenue model and deployed their ransomware through online websites where buyers could purchase their ransomware in exchange of fees. Sometimes these ransomwares are free to use but the creators demand a portion of the extorted money from their buyers. Thus, they managed to earn a great amount of money through this income stream.
On the other hand, it is an advantageous proposition for the buyers too. Ransomware as a Service provides them with the ability to attack others without any prior programming experience. Furthermore, they have to pay low fees to purchase ransomware while the earning prospects by attacking others can exceed their investment by 4 to 5 times, thus making it a good bargain.
Ransomware removal experts have usually found these services mainly available on Dark Web where it is a flourishing industry as different cyber criminals have placed professional advertisements, encouraging users to purchase their ransomware.
In the end, Ransomware as a Service is a bitter reality in the cybersecurity space. The advent of RaaS has made the internet more dangerous. You have to be careful and apply cyber security measures to detect and remove ransomware.
