An especially potent form of computer virus has taken root in the last few years. Michael Ramage, director of Murray State's Center for Telecommunications Systems Management, speaks with Tracy Ross on Sounds Good about ransomware.
Ramage says ransomware is malicious software that encrypts all files on an infected computer, then charges the user a fee to unlock those files.
One of the first known instances of this is Cryptolocker, which surfaced a couple years back. It forced users to pay in Bitcoin rather than other payment methods to remain anonymous. Ramage says perpetrators usually follow through and decrypt files after receiving payment. In many cases, it can be easier to simply pay the fee, despite the ethical conundrum.
Ramage recently spoke in Hopkinsville, where he says he met a man whose business dealt with ransomware and chose not to pay it on ethical grounds, despite the overall extra costs incurred.
The ingenious facet of ransomware is that it’s relatively simple to use or become infected with. Often, the fee is relatively small and victims are inclined to pay.
As for telltale signs, Ramage says it can be difficult to identify risky e-mails. He says perpetrators have become crafty in disguising ransomware, such as deceiving potential victims with fake bank notices.
A recent ransomware attack on a hospital in Henderson originated from an e-mail. Ramage says employees were quick in shutting down the infected PCs network connection to protect the rest of the system.
Speaking on protection, Ramage says strong passwords go a long way. User awareness and training are key too, and are the first line of defense. And if in doubt, don’t click suspicious e-mails.
