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Credit to Author: Michael Kan| Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2017 11:26:00 -0700<\/strong><\/p>\n Hackers spreading ransomware are getting greedier. In 2016, the average ransom demand to free computers hit with the infection rose to $1,077, up from $294 the year before, according to security firm Symantec.<\/p>\n \u201cAttackers clearly think that there\u2019s more to be squeezed from victims,\u201d Symantec said in a Wednesday\u00a0report<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n In addition, the security company has been detecting more ransomware infection attempts. In 2016, the figure jumped 36 percent compared with the prior year. \u00a0<\/p>\n That doesn\u2019t bode well for the public. Ransomware<\/a> is notorious for taking over computers, and essentially holding them hostage. To do so, the malicious coding encrypts all the data inside, and then demands a ransom, usually in bitcoin, in exchange for releasing the machine.<\/p>\n In 2016, consumers made up 69 percent of all ransomware infections, with the remainder targeting enterprises, according to Symantec.<\/p>\n \u201cMore and more attackers are now jumping on the ransomware bandwagon and creating new ransomware families or modifying existing ones,\u201d the security firm said.<\/p>\n Helping to fuel the ransomware boom is the digital black market, where hackers can sell ransomware kits for as little as $10 and as much as $1,800, making it easier for other cybercriminals to join in.<\/p>\n Fortunately, ransomware attacks can also be easily dodged. Consumers, for instance, should be wary around email spam, which remains the popular way for hackers to spread ransomware, Symantec said.<\/p>\n Ransomware detections by country in 2016.\u00a0<\/p>\n Cybercriminals will often bundle their emails with attachments that can secretly download the ransomware onto a computer, if the emails are opened. \u201cIn many cases, the victim would receive a spam email designed to appear like an invoice or receipt from a company,\u201d Symantec said.<\/p>\n Bad actors will also spread ransomware through exploit kits, or automated hacking toolsets, that operate on tampered websites. The kits can work by scanning a victim\u2019s web browser for any unpatched software vulnerabilities and then exploiting them to serve ransomware.<\/p>\n To prevent the infections, users should keep their computer\u2019s software up to date. That includes any publicly facing servers. In one case, hackers spread ransomware to a business by compromising a server through an unpatched vulnerability, Symantec said.<\/p>\n The security firm also advises users to delete any suspicious-looking emails, especially those that contain attachments or any links.<\/p>\n If a company is struck with a ransomware attack, the threat can be lessened if the most important data has been backed up. There are also free tools<\/a> on the internet that can decrypt certain ransomware infections.\u00a0<\/p>\n Symantec\u2019s report found that 34 percent of victims pay the ransom. However, only 47 percent reported getting their files back.<\/p>\n http:\/\/www.computerworld.com\/category\/security\/index.rss<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Credit to Author: Michael Kan| Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2017 11:26:00 -0700<\/strong><\/p>\n Hackers spreading ransomware are getting greedier. In 2016, the average ransom demand to free computers hit with the infection rose to $1,077, up from $294 the year before, according to security firm Symantec.<\/p>\n \u201cAttackers clearly think that there\u2019s more to be squeezed from victims,\u201d Symantec said in a Wednesday\u00a0report<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n