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Ransomware
Why is it in news?
- Recent incidences where ransomware hit and paralysed services.
- The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has observed an increase in ransomware attacks across the world.
Ransomware
- Most recent incidence: In U.S. cities of Baltimore and Maryland where ransomware attack locked up computer networks and made it impossible for residents to make property transactions or pay their municipal bills.
- Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, designed to deny access to a computer system or data until a ransom is paid.
- Spread: Ransomware typically spreads through phishing emails or by unknowingly visiting an infected website.
- Effects:(1) Ransomware can be devastating to an individual or an organization.(2) Anyone with important data stored on their computer or network is at risk, including government or law enforcement agencies and healthcare systems or other critical infrastructure entities.
- Challenges:(1) Recovery can be a difficult process that may require the services of a reputable data recovery specialist, and some victims pay to recover their files.(2) However, there is no guarantee that individuals will recover their files if they pay the ransom.
Source
The Hindu