What is ransomware?
Q: What is ransomware?
A: Ransomware is a type of malicious software that restricts access to a computer system or its data, often using encryption techniques, and demands that the user pay a ransom in order for the restriction to be removed.
Q: How did ransomware become popular?
A: Ransomware first became popular in Russia, but its use has since grown internationally.
Q: How many unique samples of ransomware were collected by McAfee in 2013?
A: McAfee reported collecting over 250,000 unique samples of ransomware in the first three months of 2013.
Q: What was the estimated amount collected by CryptoLocker before it was taken down?
A: CryptoLocker had reportedly collected an estimated $3 million USD before it was taken down by authorities.
Q: What happened during the WannaCry attack in 2017?
A: The WannaCry attack spread around the world and affected over 200,000 computers in 150 countries. It lasted four days and only about $130,000 (USD) was ever paid in ransom. The United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) was hit particularly hard as they were using an outdated version of Windows which Microsoft no longer supported with security updates.
Q: Why were some systems still affected even though they had newer versions of Windows installed?
A: Some systems were still affected even though they had newer versions of Windows installed because their users had not yet installed the most recent security updates.
Q: What effect did WannaCry have on people and organizations worldwide?
A:The WannaCry virus led to a lot of wasted time and money for people and organizations worldwide, showing how vulnerable we are to ransomware attacks.
