The anonymity and the infinity of the Internet offer many possibilities – unfortunately also the crime. Over the past few years, ransom efforts have risen enormously over the Internet as a new study reveals.
What is Ransomware?
The blackmailers hijack a Trojan on the PC of their victim. They hide the dangerous software, such as in e-mail attachments, Facebook links, or file sharing files. As soon as the victim opens one of these innocent looking files, the Trojan is used. This encrypts individual files or the entire hard disk on the computer of the recipient. The user then displays the request via the screen: Either he pays money or his files are lost. The amount of the ransom is generally around 100 pounds (about 130 euros) for private individuals, as the BBC cited from the study mentioned. Companies should pay four-digit amounts.
What can people do?
This Internet fraud is more and more frequent. "Ransomware and crypto malware are rising at an alarming rate and show no signs of stopping," says Intel security chief Raj Samani.
If you have become a victim of a Ransomware, you should in no case transfer the required money. This does not return your data. Instead, you should keep the displayed ransom claim on a screenshot and report it to the local police station. It is better then to take proper precautions. In our article about Ransomware, we reveal what you need to know about the topic.
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