Ransomware, a malicious software (malware) variant, poses a long-lasting menace to computer systems and sensitive data, with the primary aim of blocking access until a ransom is paid.
Advancements in Ransomware Attacks
Over the years, ransomware attacks have undergone significant developments, growing in complexity and diversifying their methods of infiltration. Cybercriminals employ various tactics, including phishing emails, spear phishing campaigns, malicious email attachments, exploits targeting vulnerabilities, computer worms, and other vectors to spread ransomware.
Ransom Payments
Traditionally, ransom payments were demanded through conventional means such as prepaid cash services, Western Union transfers, gift cards, or premium-rate SMS services. However, in the digital age, cybercriminals have turned to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for their illicit transactions, making it increasingly challenging to trace and combat these criminal activities.
The Financial Impact of Ransomware Attacks
In 2018, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received an alarming 1,493 complaints related to ransomware attacks, resulting in losses exceeding $3.6 million for the victims. These financial losses don’t even account for the extensive damage to businesses, lost productivity, wages, data, equipment, and the costs associated with third-party remediation.
Underreporting of the Ransomware Attacks
It’s important to note that many victims opt not to report ransomware attacks to law enforcement agencies, contributing to an artificially low count of reported incidents. This underreporting further highlights the pervasive nature of the ransomware threat.
The Soaring Numbers of Ransomware Attacks
Recent estimates suggest that the number of ransomware attacks has surged, reaching a staggering 204.24 million incidents. This exponential growth underscores the alarming expansion of attack vectors, posing an ever-increasing challenge for cyber security professionals.
Ransomware Examples
This article takes a comprehensive look at a wide range of ransomware examples, dating back to 1989 and extending to the present day. By examining these real-world instances, we gain valuable insights into the history and diverse manifestations of ransomware.
1. AIDS Trojan
In the annals of cyber history, the AIDS Trojan stands as one of the earliest-known ransomware attacks. This digital menace was masterminded not by a seasoned cybercriminal, but rather by an unexpected source: Dr. Joseph Popp, an evolutionary biologist. Popp’s scheme involved sending infected floppy diskettes to unsuspecting victims, each labeled with the seemingly benign heading “AIDS Information Introductory Diskette.”
Upon infecting a computer, the Trojan quietly replaced the critical AUTOEXEC.BAT file. This file manipulation served a sinister purpose – to keep a covert tally of the number of times the victim’s computer booted up.
Once this boot count reached the ominous threshold of 90, the ransomware sprang into action. It stealthily concealed directories and encrypted the names of all files on the victim’s hard drive, effectively rendering the entire system inoperable.
The unfortunate victim was then confronted with a demand to ‘renew the license’ and instructed to contact PC Cyborg Corporation for payment. Astonishingly, this process entailed sending a sum of $189 to a mysterious P.O. box in Panama. What made this ransomware even more perplexing was the fact that the decryption key could be extracted from the Trojan’s code, making the entire ordeal appear more like a bizarre charade.
In a curious twist, Dr. Joseph Popp’s story took an unexpected turn. Despite the chaos he had caused, he was declared mentally unfit to stand trial. Remarkably, he pledged to direct the ill-gotten profits from his ransomware escapade towards funding AIDS research.
These early ransomware attacks, exemplified by the AIDS Trojan, serve as stark reminders of the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. In the realm of cybersecurity, vigilance, and preparedness are paramount in the ongoing battle against cybercriminals who relentlessly exploit vulnerabilities in our digital world.
2. WannaCry
WannaCry is a ransomware computer worm that was released in May 2017. It targeted computers running outdated versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system by exploiting a vulnerability in the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol. The ransomware encrypted files on the victim’s computer and demanded a ransom payment of $300 to $600 in Bitcoin.
WannaCry is one of the most widespread ransomware attacks in history, infecting an estimated 200,000 computers in over 150 countries. The attack caused billions of dollars in damages, and many organizations were forced to pay the ransom to regain access to their files.
The WannaCry attack was a wake-up call for businesses and individuals alike about the importance of cyber security. It demonstrated how quickly and easily ransomware can spread, and how devastating the consequences can be.
3. CryptoLocker
CryptoLocker is a ransomware example that was active from September 5, 2013, to late May 2014. It targeted computers running Microsoft Windows and spread via infected email attachments and the Gameover ZeuS botnet.
Once activated, CryptoLocker encrypted files stored on local and mounted network drives using RSA public-key cryptography. The decryption key was stored on the malware’s control servers.
CryptoLocker then displayed a ransom message demanding payment in Bitcoin or prepaid cash vouchers. The message created a sense of urgency by threatening to delete the decryption key if the deadline passed.
If the deadline passed, CryptoLocker offered to decrypt the data via an online service for a significantly higher price in Bitcoin. However, there was no guarantee that paying the ransom would release the encrypted content.
While CryptoLocker itself was easily removed, the affected files remained encrypted in a way that was unfeasible to break.
In late May 2014, Operation Tovar took down the Gameover ZeuS botnet and obtained the database of private keys used by CryptoLocker. This database was used to build an online tool that could recover the files without paying the ransom.
Despite this, CryptoLocker was a successful cyber-attack. It is believed that the operators extorted around $3 million from victims.
This attack is an example of how cybercriminals can use ransomware to hold businesses and individuals hostage. It is important to be aware of the risks of ransomware and to take steps to protect your data, such as backing up your files regularly and using strong passwords.
4. Petya
Petya is a ransomware family that first emerged in 2016. It is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files and demands a ransom payment in order to decrypt them. Petya typically infects computers through email attachments, malicious websites, or USB drives.
Once Petya is installed on a computer, it encrypts the Master Boot Record (MBR), which is a critical part of the operating system. This prevents the computer from booting up normally. When the computer is restarted, Petya displays a ransom note demanding payment in Bitcoin.
The original Petya variant required the user to grant it administrative privileges in order to encrypt the files. However, later variants of Petya have been designed to bypass this security measure.
Petya is a serious cyber attack that can cause significant damage to businesses and individuals. In 2017, a variant of Petya known as NotPetya caused widespread disruption in Ukraine. The attack is believed to have been carried out by Russian-backed hackers.
5. Bad Rabbit
Bad Rabbit’s modus operandi involved encrypting the file tables of unsuspecting users, leaving them with limited options: either lose access to their valuable data or comply with the demands of Cybercriminals, who sought a Bitcoin payment for decryption.
The initial outbreak of Bad Rabbit was localized in Russia and Ukraine, where it wreaked havoc on October 24, 2017. Its propagation was cleverly disguised as an update for Adobe Flash, infiltrating high-profile targets including Interfax, Odessa International Airport, Kiev Metro, and the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine.
However, this insidious threat did not confine itself to Eastern Europe. Ransomware infections transcended borders, making their way to countries such as Turkey, Germany, Poland, Japan, South Korea, and the United States. Bad Rabbit infiltrated these nations by exploiting vulnerabilities in corporate network structures, highlighting the global reach of Cybercriminals.
Cybersecurity experts, closely scrutinizing Bad Rabbit, discerned an intriguing connection to the Petya attack that had previously rocked Ukraine. Evidence pointed to a significant overlap in code and analogous elements between Bad Rabbit and Petya/NotPetya, suggesting a potentially shared origin.
One noteworthy distinction was Bad Rabbit’s deviation from Petya’s playbook. Unlike its predecessor, Bad Rabbit refrained from leveraging EternalBlue, a potent exploit that Petya had employed for rapid dissemination. As a result, a simple yet effective method to halt the spread of Bad Rabbit was discovered by October 24, 2017.
Furthermore, the entities responsible for propagating the deceitful Adobe Flash update swiftly took action. Within a few days, the problematic files were removed or the sites hosting them went offline. This proactive response effectively curtailed the further spread of the Bad Rabbit Ransomware.
6. TeslaCrypt
TeslaCrypt was a ransomware trojan that spread through the Angler Adobe Flash exploit. It targeted gamers by encrypting files related to popular games, such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, and World of Tanks. The malware also encrypted other file types, such as Word, PDF, and JPEG files.
TeslaCrypt demanded a ransom of $500 in Bitcoin in exchange for the decryption key. Early variants of the malware claimed to use asymmetric encryption, but security researchers found that it actually used symmetric encryption. This allowed researchers to develop a decryption tool for the early versions of TeslaCrypt.
The developers of TeslaCrypt released a new version of the malware (2.0) in October 2015 that used stronger encryption. This made it impossible to decrypt files affected by TeslaCrypt-2.0 using the previous decryption tool. However, security researchers soon discovered a new weakness in version 2.0, which they used to develop a new decryption tool.
In January 2016, the developers of TeslaCrypt released a third version of the malware (3.0) that fixed the weakness in version 2.0. However, the developers of TeslaCrypt shut down the ransomware in May 2016 and released the master decryption key. This brought an end to TeslaCrypt, but it remains an example of the cyber threats that gamers face.
7. Locky
In 2016, the cybersecurity landscape faced a significant threat known as Locky, exemplifying the insidious nature of ransomware attacks perpetrated by cybercriminals. One of the primary modes of distribution for Locky was through email, often camouflaged as an innocuous invoice demanding payment. Disguised within these seemingly routine communications were infected Microsoft Word documents housing malicious macros, poised to execute a cyber attack of formidable consequence.
Upon opening the document, recipients were greeted with seemingly incomprehensible text, save for a cunningly worded phrase: “Enable macro if data encoding is incorrect.” This clever manipulation of social engineering tactics aimed to dupe users into taking the bait, setting in motion a chain of events that would compromise their data security.
Should a user unwittingly enable macros, the Word document unleashed a binary file. This file, when executed, initiated the download of the actual encryption Trojan, which systematically enciphered files bearing specific extensions. The aftermath of this malicious act transformed once-familiar filenames into cryptic combinations of 16 characters, blending letters and numbers, all appended with the ominous “.locky” file extension.
Subsequent iterations of Locky evolved, employing various file extensions like “.zepto,” “.odin,” “.aesir,” “.thor,” and even “.zzzzz.” Notably, the December 2016 release of Locky introduced a variant that operated under the “.osiris” extension for its encrypted files, demonstrating the adaptability of cybercriminals in their relentless pursuit of illicit gains.
Following the ruthless encryption of vital files, victims were confronted with an ominous message displayed prominently on their desktop screens. This message delivered unwelcome instructions, directing them to download the anonymity-focused Tor browser and embark on a journey to the dark web. Here, they were coerced to visit a concealed website harboring critical information regarding the ransom.
The demand presented on this clandestine platform typically ranged from 0.5 to 1 Bitcoin, underscoring the audaciousness of cybercriminals as they sought to monetize their nefarious activities. Moreover, Locky’s architects designed the ransomware in such a way that decryption keys were generated exclusively on the server side, rendering manual decryption attempts futile.
8. Jigsaw
Jigsaw, a notorious encryption ransomware variant originating in 2016, was initially dubbed ‘BitcoinBlackmailer.’ However, it gained its iconic name, Jigsaw, owing to its connection with Billy the Puppet from the Saw film franchise.
This insidious malware primarily spreads through malicious attachments concealed within spam emails, exploiting unsuspecting victims.
Once triggered, Jigsaw sets in motion a relentless process. It encrypts all user files and the master boot record (MBR), effectively locking the victim out of their own data.
Subsequently, a menacing popup featuring the eerie visage of Billy the Puppet emerges, delivering a chilling ransom demand reminiscent of the Jigsaw character from the Saw series. The demand? Bitcoin, in exchange for the decryption key that can liberate the hostage files.
The victim is placed on a tight deadline: one hour to make the payment, or the ransomware begins its ruthless countdown. With each passing hour, the number of files deleted increases exponentially, unleashing havoc on the victim’s data. After a merciless 72-hour period, the computer faces complete erasure, leaving the user with nothing.
Efforts to outsmart the ransomware by rebooting the computer or attempting to terminate the process are met with dire consequences. A staggering 1,000 files are obliterated with each such attempt.
In a more recent, sinister development, Jigsaw has evolved to include threats of doxing the victim. It threatens to expose personally identifiable information (PII) in a data breach, compounding the victim’s misery.
Interestingly, there is a glimmer of hope for those afflicted by Jigsaw. The ransomware can be reverse engineered, potentially offering a way to remove the encryption without capitulating to the cybercriminals’ demands. However, this process is not without its own set of challenges and risks.
In the ever-evolving landscape of cyber-attacks and cyber security, Jigsaw stands as a grim reminder of the ingenuity and audacity of cybercriminals, highlighting the critical importance of robust defenses and proactive measures to protect against such threats.
9. Cerber
Cerber is a prime example of evolving Ransomware Attacks. It operates as Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), allowing cybercriminals to exploit it for a 40% share of the profits.
Cerber primarily targets cloud-based Office 365 users and employs a sophisticated phishing campaign to infect victims outside of post-Soviet countries. Notably, it deactivates itself if the host computer is from specific regions.
Typically, victims receive an email with an infected Microsoft Office document. Once opened, Cerber silently encrypts data, leaving no clear signs of infection. Victims discover ransom notes in encrypted folders or on their desktop backgrounds.
In the realm of Cyber Security, Cerber highlights the ongoing threat posed by cybercriminals. Staying vigilant against such Cyber Attacks is crucial.
Strengthening Your Defense Against Ransomware Threats
In the realm of cybersecurity, safeguarding your organization from Ransomware Attacks is paramount. At Arrant Services, we specialize in comprehensive Cyber Security solutions designed to safeguard your defenses against the ever-present threat of cybercriminals.
Our approach to Cyber Security is multi-faceted, addressing various aspects to ensure your organization’s resilience. One of our primary focuses is on monitoring and combatting Ransomware Examples effectively. We employ cutting-edge techniques to detect and thwart potential Cyber Attacks before they can wreak havoc on your systems.
Furthermore, Arrant Services is dedicated to enhancing your organization’s overall Cyber Security posture. We understand that Cybercriminals are constantly evolving, which is why we provide continuous exposure detection to stay one step ahead of their tactics.
One crucial aspect of safeguarding your organization is to minimize vulnerabilities. We achieve this by automating vendor questionnaires and continuously monitoring your third-party relationships. By benchmarking your vendors’ security posture against industry standards, we help you identify potential weak links.
At Arrant Services, we employ a rigorous evaluation process that rates each vendor against 70+ criteria. We assess factors like the presence of SSL and DNSSEC, as well as the risk of domain hijacking, man-in-the-middle attacks, and email spoofing for phishing attempts. Our platform assigns a daily Security Rating out of 950 to your vendors, allowing you to stay informed about their security status.
In conclusion, Arrant Services offers a comprehensive suite of Cyber Security solutions, ensuring that your organization is well-protected against Ransomware Attacks and other cyber threats. Our dedication to monitoring, assessment, and continuous improvement sets us apart in the world of Cyber Security, safeguarding your organization’s data, reputation, and customer trust.