Recently, I have been reading a lot about endpoint device Ransomware attacks, and the community members are asking various questions. Endpoint devices relate to devices that are connected with LAN and WAN. These devices can be a desktop, smartphone, tablet, computer, or printer. Majorly the external sources are vulnerable to a Ransomware attack. A report by Ivanti showcases an upsurge in Ransomware attacks, as there has been a jump of almost 7.6%. It shows that industries need to work on vulnerabilities fast.
Read this guide to get a detailed insight into what people are asking on endpoint devices and Ransomware attacks.
What Does Ransomware do to an Endpoint Device?
The major question that must be making waves in your mind must be what is a device endpoint? And another question that may come after this is what ransomware does to an endpoint device. As stated above, an endpoint device is an internet-based computer hardware device dependent on the TCP/IP network. The POS terminals and other daily use gadgets work as endpoint devices through which the Ransomware attacks occur.
Now, a USB device or vulnerability in the computer network can lead to a full-fledged Ransomware attack. Ransomware through endpoint devices leads to user data encryption by releasing corrupted files through external devices. I recommend using the policy-based cyber security approach to safeguard network data. It will help in sorting the security challenges faced by devices nowadays. There should be limited to no access provided to employees’ devices under the BYOD policy. All these important features can stop any vulnerability exploitation.
What Does A Ransomware Attack Look Like?
Ransomware has become a serious issue in the past few years as it has launched a full-fledged attack on many popular US-based industries. I have discussed in my few write-ups that it mainly occurs through phishing emails and via software downloaded through online sources. A cybersecurity attack report by Cybersecurity Ventures also states that the global Ransomware global cost is predicted to exceed $265 billion by 2031. The Ransomware attacks will start happening every two seconds by the year 2031.
If you are an IT device user or an IoT device user and wondering what a ransomware attack looks like or what happens when a Ransomware attack occurs, let me tell you simply it encrypts all your files inside the computer device or the server. The Ransomware gangs exploit the vulnerabilities in the system to retrieve a large sum of money from the victims.
What does ransomware do to Your Computer?
A usual day in your life is sitting in the office, scrolling through emails, and suddenly an important-looking email pops up. You open it, and it starts getting encrypted within a few seconds. Helpless! Yes, this is what ransomware does. If you asked this question on some community forum, what does ransomware do to your computer, or what damage can ransomware do to your computer? I am going to discuss the same with everyone here.
It encrypts all the files and denies you access to the computer device. The helplessness of the user increases when a few files start destroying on their own. Being the boss of your device, you cannot access your computer or laptop. Big brands to small companies are asked to pay hundreds of dollars to release the decryption key. The consequences can be grave enough if a user opens a phishing email or clicks on some random advertising pop-up.
The modern social engineering processes and many aggressive forms of Ransomware attacks like NotPetya can dig security holes in your server and computer. Most cybercriminals launch a full-fledged crypto Ransomware attack, and then the screen Ransomware attacks appear. The ransom amount is demanded in crypto rather than cash or any other mode. Many Ransomware gangs can demand gift cards to provide the decryption key. However, I would like to share that sometimes the attackers do not release the decryption key. They may take a hefty amount and leak your company’s confidential information.
Because of these attacks, I would recommend creating a duplicate copy of your website and securing it, taking regular backups of your data, and always complaining about the attack to the FBI or the US Cybersecurity Agencies. It will help you get insurance in case the data is lost. Always keep the proof of a Ransomware attack by making a video or taking screenshots of your device if you can.
How does Ransomware Infect Devices?
Ransomware either causes infection through endpoint devices or malicious emails. Crypto locker and screen ransomware are known to cause much destruction when they spread through computer devices or other devices connected with LAN or WAN networks. It can be a tablet, smartphone, printer, or laptop.
The web-based instant messaging and other organizational networks also cause Ransomware infection. However, many new types of strains devised by hackers lead to destruction. When ransomware infects the devices, the victims are sent a flash message to provide the ransom within the stipulated time to avert the leaking of confidential information online. A few Ransomware strains can be bypassed by the cyber security professionals of the organization, but most advanced strains may cause full destruction of the devices too. It leads to paying of ransom amount to retrieve the decryption key.
I hope you are now abreast with how ransomware infects devices and how fast it can spread through the endpoint devices into your network operating systems. The temporary or permanent loss caused by the Ransomware attack still causes huge company problems. It is advisable to curate robust endpoint use policies in an organization to safeguard the system devices against any potential harm or financial losses.