Ransomware Facts:

Ransomware attacks are frightening, especially for small businesses that can’t afford to pay a ransom for their data. That’s why it’s important to stay informed about what ransomware is, how it works and the types of ransomware there are.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware that can either encrypt all of your data or lock you out of your computer. Once the ransomware has infected your computer, it will ask you to pay a ransom in exchange for decrypting your data or unlocking your computer. Usually they request Cryptocurrency which is more difficult to trace.

Types of Ransomware Attacks

There are more than one type of ransomware, and with new ransomware threats appearing daily, it can be hard to keep track of them all. The most widely reported causes of data breaches in 2020 are:

• REvil - Ransomware program that is difficult to detect

• Maze - Data-stealing ransomware that threatens to sell your data

• Phobos - Ransomware that locks productivity documents

Trends of 2020

The year 2020 has seen a rise in the ransom demanded by hackers, which has increased by 60 percent since the start of the year to $178,000 on average. Although this is concerning, even more shocking was 2019’s explosive growth in ransomware demand amounts. In 2019, the average ransom demand grew 14 times, up from $6,000 in 2018 to $84,000 by the end of the year.

​

Although 2019 saw a sharp increase in cyberattacks and ransomware incidents, the number of ransomware attacks decreased in 2020. This shows a shift from previous years to more sophisticated methods of attack. Recent cybersecurity attacks take a more targeted approach, rather than “spray-and-pray” tactics of past years.

​

By the end of 2019, phishing emails were on a sharp decline, but in 2020 hackers have exploited the COVID-19 pandemic by sending COVID-related phishing emails. Server vulnerability exploits remain the most common ransomware attack and are on the rise, despite taking a dip in 2019.

In 2021 and beyond, it is just going to get worse.

If you are looking for threat protection, remediation, incident response and the benefits of a Security Operations Center (SOC), I have the service for you. Fortify for Endpoint Security monitors your IT environment, detecting malicious threats and quickly remediating the attack, with 24/7 support from our experienced SOC.

Advanced endpoint threat management from Triangle Compudocs includes coverage from multivariant ransomware attacks to the latest crypto-mining infiltrations. This is coupled with SOC monitoring and remediation services that stops active threats and minimizes harm.  And, it’s all backed by a $1m ransomware warranty.

​

Schedule a Free Security Consultation so we can discuss options for your company.