A Ransomware attack is an attack on a computer system that locks users out of their system and demands a ransom payment to be made in order for the user to regain control.
A ransomeware attack is not something new. It has been around for years now and it is still being used today because it is an easy way for hackers to get money from people. The hacker will lock the victim out of their computer and demand them to pay up or else they will have all their data deleted, along with any backups that they have as well. The hacker can be anyone from someone who lives in your neighborhood or someone who lives halfway across the world.
The National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) 2021 annual review found there were three times as many ransomware attacks in the first quarter of 2021 than in the whole of 2019.
There are many different ways that hackers can get into a person’s computer including phishing attacks, ransomware attacks, and social engineering scams.
How is the ransom paid?
In the past few years, cryptocurrency has been the favoured method.
Last year, JBS, the world’s largest meat processor, announced it had paid $11m (£8m) in Bitcoin after a cyberattack forced the shutdown of its plants in the US, Canada and Australia. Experts in the UK say that: “Ransomware became the most significant cyberthreat facing the UK this year.”
KP Snacks cyberattack
KP Snacks has been hit with a ransomware attack which could lead to shortages of some of its popular crisp and nut lines including Skips, Hula Hoops and KP Nuts.
In letters sent to local shops, the firm said there could be delays and cancellations of deliveries until the end of March “at the earliest”, according to betterRetailing.
If you have any questions or concerns about how cyber security or how ransomware could affect your business or managed IT services, contact us today.
