What is a Ransomware?

sfg-2026
ForumIAS LATEST
  1. 04 June | MGP Strategy Series | GS Paper 4 (Ethics) with AIR 7 A.R. Rajah Mohaideen Click Here to register for the session →
  2. 04 June | GS Advance Program begins from 4th June 2026 | First 2 classes open to all Click Here to register for the event →
  3. 05 June | MGP Strategy Series | GS Paper 3 Strategy Session with AIR 406 Mannat Luthra Click Here to register for the session
  4. 06 June | Open Orientation on Essay Guidance Program (EGP 2026) Click Here to register →
  5. 07 June | Open Orientation for Current Affairs for Mains 2026 Click Here to register →
  6. 07 June | Sociology Optional Strategy Session with AIR 10 Ujjwal Priyank Click Here to register →

  • Ransomware is a form of malicious software intended to block access or threatens to erase the victim’s data until a ransom is paid.
  • Many popular ransomware malware prefer to obtain payment through Bitcoin as it is difficult to trace.

 There are numerous types of Ransomwares as of today.

  • Crypto-ransomware: This Malware encrypts the systems files and forces users to pay a ‘ransom’ through certain online payment methods to get a decrypt key.
  • WannaCry: WannaCry is a widespread ransomware campaign that is affecting organizations across the globe. Over 125,000 organizations in over 150 countries have been impacted.
  • Jigsaw: Jigsaw encrypts then progressively deletes files until ransom is paid. The ransomware deletes a single file after the first hour, and then deletes files every hour from thereon.
  • KeRanger:  KeRanger ransomware was recently discovered on a popular Bit Torrent client. It is known to be specifically designed (First of its kind) to lock Mac OS X
  • Crysis: This form of ransomware can encrypt files on fixed, removable, and network drives and uses strong encryption algorithms
Print Friendly and PDF
Blog
Academy
Community