Ransomware attacks are cyber-attacks in which cybercriminals trick extort money from the authorities. They trick them into clicking some link, which encrypts their data, devices, or systems and demands ransomware for decryption. Although it is the most common type of cyber-attack, people still fall for it and end up facing data theft or financial and reputational loss.

Poor cybersecurity practices and sophisticated ransomware attacks facilitate the success of hackers. Learning about the latest trends and practices in cybercrime and investing in cyber security can help you contain the damages. Moreover, you must also be aware of common ransomware attack types and tactics to avoid panic acting and signing up for loss.

Scroll down into the details of this article to get your hands on the types of ransomware attacks everyone should know about and take appropriate measures to prevent them.

Top 5 Types of Ransomware Attacks You Must Be Aware Of

Ransomware attacks are becoming fairly common as hackers utilize more sophisticated tricks to trap the authorities. They usually resort to phishing and social engineering techniques to launch attacks and demand ransomware for decryption keys. You should never trust the deals of criminals and optimize cybersecurity practices to watch out and prevent various types of ransomware attacks.

Here are the major types of ransomware attacks you must be aware of to avoid falling prey to them.

Crypto-Ransomware

Crypto ransomware, also termed as encryptors, is the foremost type of ransomware attack everyone should be aware of. Cybercriminals encrypt important data or files of a system and ask for ransomware in exchange for a decryption key. They usually ask for ransomware in cryptocurrency to hinder the tracking.

Authorities that ignore data backups are common targets as they will be more likely to pay the demanded amount for the decryption key, which might not even work. The hackers enable data encryption by tricking authorities into clicking malicious links. More authorities now hire cyber security companies in UAE to save their setups from such malicious attacks.

Locker Ransomware

Locker ransomware is the next common type of ransomware attack you need to watch out for. As the name suggests, locker ransomware attack locks the authorities out of their devices and restrict their access. It not only encrypts the data files but also locks the whole device so the authorities can do nothing with it.

The screens may display the ransomware demand of the hackers with a countdown. The trick is used to instill panic and urgency among the authorities. Such an attack is launched through the use of social engineering tactics and tricking users into downloading the malware. Effective cyber security measures can help prevent the attacks.

Scareware

Scareware is the next type of ransomware attack you must be aware of. As the name suggests, such an attack uses the tactic of scaring the authorities into taking some action, which actually facilitates the attack. In simpler words, the attackers might flood your screen with messages that a virus has been detected on your system, and you need to pay by clicking a link to resolve the issue.

If you end up clicking, it will grant access to the hackers, who will then misuse your device, data, and network. Your system and data will be safe until you click some uncertified link, so watch out and do not fall for such a trick. You can also optimize your cybersecurity practices to prevent such advances.

RaaS (Ransomware as a Service)

RaaS (Ransomware as a Service) is the type of ransomware attack that is offered as a service. In other words, skilled cybercriminals craft the attack and sell it to other hackers who have limited expertise. The buyers then launch the attack over some network or system.

The buyers may negotiate the ransomware with the affected authorities and get the payment. The ransomware seller may restore access to the authorities and get a share of the ransomware from the buyer. As more and more hackers engage in buying the ransomware, the tactics become more common and less effective.

Wiper Malware

Wiper malware is the last type of ransomware attack you must be aware of. Such an attack infects system files and restricts user access. However, this is not all. The attackers threaten the authorities that they will wipe out and destroy all the infected files. Such criminals do not always demand ransomware.

The purpose of wiper malware is to halt business operations. Recent data backup can help restore the infected files and thwart hackers' threats. Cyber security expertise is inevitable to deal with such situations efficiently. You can hire cyber security companies in UAE and let experts take active measures to contain such attacks altogether and protect your setup.

Amplify your cybersecurity and thwart ransomware attacks!

You might be unable to just ignore the ransomware attack and give into panic acting. Implementing effective cybersecurity measures can contain such attacks and ensure they do not reach you. So, implement the essential measures or get professionals on board to protect your network and data.