Ransomware : A Severe Cyber Security Threat in The Digital Era

Abstract

Ransomware is a very severe cyber security threat since its inception. Ransomware has grown to be one of the biggest problems in the era of information technology. It is a type of malware which blocks a computer or encrypts the data and demands money in the form of virtual currency like Bitcoin for restoration of the functionality. Basically, two types of ransomware are found. First is encrypting ransomware which encrypts files using advanced encryption algorithm and another is locker ransomware which locks your computer system. Normally, crypto ransomware uses combination of both encryption techniques symmetric and asymmetric for encrypting the data. Ransomware threats are becoming more prevalent in enterprises. The purpose of these threats is quite simple. They are attempting to extort money from their victims with promises of restoring the functionality or restoring encrypted data whatever. But there is no guarantee that after paying the ransom you will give access to your computer system or restore files again.