Page 123 - Cyber Defense eMagazine June 2020 Edition

Ransomware can be grouped into some categories, namely:

● Scareware: includes rogue security software and tech support scams.
● Screen lockers: freeze the system and a window is presented after login with payment details.
● Encrypting ransomware: the files are encrypted and a ransom must be paid to recover the data.
● Destructive ransomware: less common, it only aims to destroy systems.

Mediatic Ransomware

There is a collection of mediatic ransomware that have been made headlines due to their damage.

GoldenEye: One of the most well-known ransomware in the world is GoldenEye, which was responsible
for a complete shutdown, crashing Ukrainian systems. The impact of this attack hit the banking networks,
the system of the largest airport in the country, and the main electricity company. Three crucial points for
society, which proved to be extremely vulnerable.

Wannacry: A cryptographic malware that hijacks and blocks files and folders promising to return them
only by paying a ransom in bitcoins (virtual currency). This ransomware was based on a security breach
and was largely responsible for an internet blackout. Criminals asked for $600 to unlock the content on
each computer.

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