Ransomware is a type of malware used by hackers to disable a computer or service with the goal of extorting money from the victim.
There are two types of ransomware, lockscreen ransomware and encryption ransomware, with the latter also being called crypto-ransomware.
Lockscreen ransomware disables a computer by displaying a full-screen message which prevents the user from using and accessing files. The message will normally employ social engineering techniques in order to threaten and scare the victim into paying the ransom.
How do Trojan’s help spread ransomware?
Crypto-ransomware encrypts a user’s files or high value data and again asks for a sum of money for a decryption key.
A Trojan is normally used by hackers to spread ransomware, with the Trojan infecting a system through a downloaded file or network vulnerability. Once inside the system, the Trojan runs the ransomware payload.
CrytoLocker was the name of a notorious strain of ransomware which hit computers in September 2013. The malware was reported to have successfully extorted around $3 million from victims.
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