Ransomware: The Types of and How to Make Ransomware?
How to Make Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malware that operates by either locking you out of your computer or mobile device or by manipulating your files in such a way that you cannot access nor utilize them. Ransomware attacks have been on the rise in the recent past, which can be explained by the increasing rates of cybercrimes. The creators of malware have made it easy for individuals to make ransomware that they use to demand money from the victims. Cybercrime has risen as many have learned how to make ransomware, which they use on the most unsuspecting companies or individuals.
Types of Ransomware
Ransomware is classified into two. They include
- Crypto ransomware
- Locker ransomware
Crypto ransomware
With this type of ransomware, the attacker encrypts your valuable files in your computer device such that you are blocked from accessing them. Once this malware is opened in your window’s Operating System (OS), it quickly encrypts all your valuable files, preventing you from accessing them.
Once the encryption process is complete, a message directing you to make a ransom payment to a specified bitcoin address for the files to be unlocked. That means that your files are held at ransom and can only be released once the ransom payment is remitted to the given bitcoin address. The attacker releases a decrypt key upon the remittance of the ransom.
Locker ransomware
As the name suggests, locker ransomware locks you out of your device. Therefore, this ransomware does not affect your files but rather, your computer. Therefore, all your computer devices are rendered useless, meaning that all your business operations come to a standstill.
Once the ransomware attacker has accomplished the mission of blocking your devices’ use, the criminal asks for the ransom, which is the motive behind the attack. The computers can only be unlocked for utilization once the ransom is settled. The ransom is often exorbitant and must be settled, or risk losing it all.
Impact of Ransomware Attacks
The effects of ransomware attacks can be very devastating to a company. The solution that usually gets you your files or devices back to how they were before is paying the ransom money. However, failure to remit the payment can result in serious effects.
One of the effects is the likelihood of complete loss of your organization’s data. Additionally, a ransomware attack can result in the complete stoppage of your business’s operations. Also, ransomware attacks result in the loss of revenue to the business because of the shutdown of business operations.
Making Ransomware
The process of developing ransomware has been made easy with the existence of ransomware construction kits such as Tox on the internet. They are free to use. The malware development kit enables easy to construct malicious code from available templates. Therefore, cybercriminals take advantage of the free malware construction kits available online, which they install on the most unsuspecting devices.
Usually, the ransomware creator benefits from aiding the cybercriminals develop the ransomware malware. They take a proportion of the ransom the victims have remitted. However, it is often a priority to ensure that anonymity is maintained throughout the whole process of developing, executing, and transfer of payment for the malware.
Steps of Making Ransomware
The process of developing ransomware is quite easy. Many have learned how to make ransomware by just studying the art online. Three simple steps are involved in the creation process of ransomware. The steps are as follows
Deciding the ransom amount
Before launching a ransomware attack, you must know the amount that you will use as ransom. The amount is often very huge and is used as the condition towards the rectification of the threat. Therefore, if you are aiming at generating ransomware, have in mind the amount you are planning to use as ransom.
Entering your cause
The cause of how you plan to execute the ransomware attack must be put on plain paper. You do not want the process developing glitches and getting detected before the accomplishment of the attack.
In order to ensure that the attack flows smoothly, ensure that you develop a strong encryption algorithm. Also, make sure that the site you opt to utilize in the development of the malware is not easily detectable by the AV software. Moreover, ensure, that the site supports numerous languages, and utilizes quick and solid encryption.
Submission of the captcha
Lastly, you will submit your captcha, which is the malware or virus you have developed. The captcha is what brings about the encryption of valuable data and the complete shutdown of the business computer devices. Once, you have submitted your captcha, then you can get ready to launch the attack.
Conclusion
Criminals always strive to learn how to make ransomware, which can be very destructive especially when you cannot raise the amount of ransom demanded. Therefore, ensure that you are safe by installing the appropriate and very effective antivirus software.
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