Types of Ransomware Attacks and How to Protect Your Computer

If you’re unfamiliar with the various ransomware attacks or have never experienced a ransomware attack, read on! This article covers Locker, Leakware, and Doxware. It’ll also give you tips on protecting your computer against all of them. In addition, here’s what you should do when one of these viruses attacks your computer. These ransomware attacks can damage your computer and your data, so make sure you protect your data from these cyberattacks.

Locker ransomware

The latest Ragnar Locker ransomware attack has targeted a corporate travel agency. Like its predecessors, the Locker ransomware has demanded $11 million in Bitcoin to decrypt its victim’s files. However, to circumvent detection by the security software, the attackers have employed a method known as Living off the Land. This method is highly creative to bypass security software and gain access to the victim’s files.

Unlike traditional ransomware, locker ransomware attacks lock the victim’s computer, preventing them from using it. The attackers promise to unlock the device if the victim pays the ransom. The malware usually opens the device once the victim pays the ransom. Depending on the type of malware, victims may also be able to interact with the attacker and make payments over the Internet. In addition to ransomware, some attackers use social engineering to target their victims. Some attackers even pose as official bodies to access a victim’s data. The Cerber ransomware is a famous example of this, targeting cloud-based Office 365 users and has affected millions of users.

Earlier versions of DMA Locker ransomware relied on a standard encryption key for the entire campaign. This allowed the malware to be reverse-engineered. The latest version of DMA Locker ransomware solves this flaw by using a unique key for each infection. However, it still requires a connection to the command and control server to operate. This way, the malware cannot work offline. This makes it difficult to decrypt files.

Doxware

Doxware ransomware attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Often targeted at enterprises, doxware can affect any company at any time. This attack can affect corporate leaders, politicians, celebrities, and even the most sensitive emails. Because malicious actors often target these individuals, companies must secure their data from doxware attacks. To protect your data, you must implement end-to-end threat protection.

The first Doxware Ransomware attack involved the Doxware Gang, a now-defunct group that used the XKCD method to increase the ransom demand by 50%. The hackers then threatened to expose 90% of their stolen data. Allied Universal, an American security system and services provider, had two weeks to pay the ransom, or they would publish 90% of the data they had stolen. The ransom demands remained at this level for several months.

The threat of doxware is real, with the hackers holding personal information hostage and demanding money in Bitcoin. These attacks have harmed many high-profile figures and government agencies. For example, according to Verge media, the Washington, D.C. Police Department was compromised by a malicious group threatening to release information about violent gangs and the city’s 2021 capital insurrection. The doxware has made many victims feel vulnerable, but they should not panic.

Leakware

One method of attack that is gaining ground is leakware. Leakware steals sensitive data in plaintext and demands a ransom to decrypt it. In addition to requiring payment, ransomware actors threaten to release sensitive data to the public. For example, a recent breach affected the personal computers of Elton John, Madonna, and Lady Gaga. The attackers even sold sensitive data about Madonna on the black market for USD 1 million.

Leakware, or doxware, is a type of Ransomware attack that threatens to publish the victim’s data unless they pay a ransom. This type of malware targets high-value victims, such as government officials or celebrities. Once infected, the ransomware attackers will use this information to publish in the open. A free service called I.D. Ransomware can help you identify leakware from traditional ransomware attacks.

Unlike other types of malware, Leakware is not a virus. Instead, it is a form of malware that spreads via email. The malware will display a pop-up alert that instructs you to send an email to the developers of the ransomware to decrypt the files. Even though this malware is often anonymous, it can still be hazardous. A ransomware attack can take advantage of any weak spot in your security.