RANSOMWARE
Even simply visiting a website or downloading a file can put your sensitive data at risk.
Introduction
Ransomware is a type of malware that blocks access to devices or data with the aim of extorting a ransom. It can affect computers, phones or Smart TVs and spreads via emails or messages that appear to come from trusted contacts, often containing links that are urged to be opened immediately. Ransomware attacks are on the rise: in Italy, there were 198 attacks in 2024, a 20% increase on the previous year.
In recent years, criminals have increasingly demanded ransoms in cryptocurrencies, making it difficult to trace them. Furthermore, they resort to double extortion: stolen data is partially published on the dark web to increase pressure on victims and force them to pay, making these attacks increasingly sophisticated and dangerous.
SPAM OR
PHISHING
PHISHING
Communications from fake authoritative sources that request some form of interaction.
ANOMALOUS
MESSAGES
MESSAGES
Messages demanding a ransom payment in exchange for access to your own data.
DEVICE
LOCKOUT
LOCKOUT
Inability to access all or part of the contents stored on a device.
There are three main signs that indicate the presence of ransomware on your device. The first is spam or phishing messages or emails that appear to come from trusted contacts or secure sources. These messages contain links or attachments which, if clicked, can download malicious files or redirect the user to unsafe websites, allowing the ransomware to infect the device. The second sign is the device being locked: documents, files and other content become inaccessible because they have been encrypted by the criminals.
The third sign is the appearance of a ransom note on the screen, which specifies the deadline for making the payment. The victim is either promised that their data will be returned once payment has been made, or threatened that it will be publicly disclosed if the payment is not made. Taken together, these three elements make it clear that ransomware is present and that immediate security measures must be taken.
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/ CYBER NEWS