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The term ransomware will leave most people flabbergasted. How can software hold something ransom or is technology becoming so clever it can take over anything?

However, this description isn’t as far-fetched as it seems. Ransomware forms part of a group of malicious computer software called malware,  which cunningly installs itself on your pc and then has t he audacity to demand data or money from you. This type of programme can be installed by means of an e-mail attachment, an infected programme or unsafe website with malware installed on it. Ransomware” is also known as a a cryptovirus, cryptotrojan or cryptoworm.

The software indeed “kidnaps” your data by encrypting or limiting your access to it and then sending you a message demanding money to regain your access.  The only way access is possible again, is by acquiring an encryption key from the creator of the ransomware at a fee.

A more recent version of the software will not notify the user that ransomware has been installed, but will merely block all access to the data and depend on the victim to search the internet for information on their “problem”. This search will then lead them to legit websites selling software to remove the ransomware, which of course is sold by the creator of the original culprit.

Ransomware is nothing new. In 1996 security experts at Columbia University and IBM wrote an essay called “Cryptovirology: Extortion-Based Security Threats and Countermeasures” to describe the software. At that time businesses were the main targets of ransomware and not individuals.

In March 2006 ransomware called Crypzip of Zippo was sent to a group of internet users. Those who received the programme also received an e-mail demanding a ransom of $300 if they wanted to access their data again.

Most antivirus vendors have ways of detecting and blocking the most known ransomware. However, no data is 100% safe. To ensure you don’t find yourself in this tricky situation, try to back up data regularly, be cautious when browsing the internet and under no circumstances open e-mail attachments from unknown sources.

More info on the latest ransomware targeting Skype users.

SOURCE: Wikipedia, Microsoft en Techtarget.

[:af]Die term ransomware  sal enige mens laat kopkrap. Hoe kan sagteware `n rekenaar gyselaar hou? Of raak tegnologie deesdae so slim dat dit alles kan oorneem?

Die beskrywing is egter nie so vergesog  nie. Ransomware is inderwaarheid deel van `n groep kwaadwillige rekenaarsagteware genaamd malware,  wat op onderduimse wyses op jou rekenaar beland en geld of data van jou eis. So `n program kan installeer word deur middel van `n e-pos aanhangsel, `n besmette program of `n kwaadwillige, onveilige webwerf. “Ransomware” staan ook bekend as acryptovirus, cryptotrojan of cryptoworm.

Die sagteware ontvoer as’t ware jou data deur dit te enkripteer, beperk toegang tot jou rekenaar en vertoon vervolgens `n boodskap om jou so ver te kry om geld te betaal om weer toegang daartoe te kry. Die enigste manier hoe jy weer jou data en rekenaar kan gebruik, is deur middel van `n enkripsie sleutel wat natuurlik net verskaf kan word teen `n fooi en deur die eienaar van die sagteware wat in die eerste plek jou rekenaar oorgeneem het.

`n Meer onlangse weergawe van die sagteware laat nie vir die gebruiker weet dat dit geinstalleer is op sy rekenaar nie, maar vertrou op jou om inligting oor jou “probleem” te gaan soek op die internet en dan sagteware op geldige internetwebwerwe te koop om dit op te los. Laasgenoemde word natuurlik verkoop deur dieselfde persoon wat die oorspronklike ransomware ook geskryf het.

Ransomware is nie `n nuwe verskynsel nie. In 1996 het sekuriteitsdeskundiges by Columbia Universiteit  en IBM reeds `n verhandeling genaamd “Cryptovirology: Extortion-Based Security Threats and Countermeasures,” geskryf wat die  sagteware duidelik omskryf. Besighede was egter in die verlede die grootste teikens.

In Maart 2006 is ransomware met die naam Crypzip of Zippo gestuur aan `n groep internetgebruikers. Diegene wat die program ontvang het, het ook `n e-pos onvang met `n losprys nota wat $300 eis as hulle hul data ontsluit wil hê.

Gelukkig beskik die meeste antivirus verskaffers se programme oor maniere om die bekende weergawes van randomware te blok. Niks is egter 100% veilig nie. Om te verseker jy beland nie in hierdie netelige situasie nie, rugsteun gereeld jou data, wees versigtig as jy op die internet is en moenie e-pos aanhangsels van onbekende bronne oopmaak nie.

Meer inligting oor die nuutste ransomware wat Skype gebruikers teiken.

SOURCE: Wikipedia, Microsoft en Techtarget.

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