Ransomware attacks are escalating.
It’s big business on the dark web, and it’s one of the largest cybersecurity threats your business will face in 2018.
Ransomware goes above and beyond the attacks that simply infect your computer to steal information – this malicious act actually requires that you pay up in order to get back your info, access or reputation.
Like all consumer software, ransomware has to constantly adapt and evolve in order to stay relevant. These evolutions are lowering the barrier to entry into ransomware, meaning more people than ever are gaining access to it.
Read on to explore two of the ransomware trends you should be monitoring in 2018 – and then check out of webinar to learn even more about the latest trends in ransomware.
Two Ransomware Trends to Monitor in 2018
The Continued Rise of RaaS
Ransomware started its rise after creators realized they could make even more money if they packaged and sold their applications. These ransomware toolkits are fairly cheap to produce, easy to download and easy to share once obtained. This makes cybercrime accessible to an increased number of people, as it no longer requires a certain level of programming knowledge.
A major downside with the rise in popularity of RaaS is that the creators are hard at work developing better features, more variety and more stable software in order to attract new buyers. The software they are creating contains better decryption and antivirus evasion tools, making it significantly more effective and far more attractive to their buyers. The competition for RaaS is just as fierce as it is for SaaS (Software as a Service).
Escalating Attacks on Mobile Devices
Another disturbing trend is that ransomware is no longer limited to simply affecting desktops and laptops: Threats against mobile phones are on the rise. This type of ransomware infects mobile devices and monitors phone activity while also extracting data from popular apps. Almost everyone has a least one mobile device that they use daily, so the risk potential is alarming.
People’s phones are their lifeline, allowing them to access not only personal email but also business emails and other sensitive, private materials. And while employees may be trained to be vigilant about info at work, they may be more likely to open an infected email from their personal account. Once the device is infected, all the information on it could be up for grabs – including confidential work material. That puts your business – and its data – at risk.
Ransomware is a serious threat with some very real and potentially serious business implications. As lifestyles and businesses become increasingly dependent on digital connectivity, we’re giving even greater opportunities to would-be hackers. Knowing more about ransomware can help you protect your business and employees against potential threats.
Contact us today if you want to learn even more about the latest ransomware trends? Check out our webinar for in-depth insights on ransomware trends to guard against in 2018.
