Types of Ransomware Everyone Should Watch Out For

There are many different varieties of malicious software. While some only function as minor annoyances, others are considerably more sinister in nature. This is where ransomware enters the picture. As the name suggests, this type of malware essentially takes devices hostage until certain demands are met. The exact demands vary from program to program, but in the vast majority of cases, they’re fiduciary in nature. Anyone looking to avoid having their devices hijacked can benefit from brushing up on the most common forms of ransomware.

Crypto

Crypto ransomware can be particularly devious, as it often stays on computers for long periods before making its presence known. True to its name, crypto ransomware encrypts important files belonging to victims, thereby making them inaccessible. In order to regain access to these files, victims must obtain an encryption key from the party that distributed the ransomware – and doing so generally entails paying a ransom. Furthermore, there’s often a time limit involved. If victims don’t pay up by a specific date and time, the encrypted files are likely to be destroyed or remain encrypted indefinitely.

As is the case with most forms of ransomware, the currency in which the ransom must be paid varies. The majority of ransomware developers and distributors prefer digital currency to physical cash. As such, Bitcoin and gift card codes are among the most common payment methods they request. Luckily, with the aid of a dependable ransomware removal tool, you’ll be able to identify and purge various forms of ransomware before they’re able to work their magic. You may not be able to unencrypt any files that have already undergone encryption, but you may be able to save others files from suffering the same fate.

Locker

In many cases, locker ransomware facilitates an even more urgent need for action than crypto. This aptly-named form of ransomware literally locks victims out of their devices until such time as a ransom is paid. Once locker ransomware has taken hold of a device, the user interface is locked, and there are very few tasks the victim is able to perform with it. More often than not, the only function they’re able to carry out is communicating with the perpetrator. Needless to say, if the infected device is integral to your work, a locker infection can put you in a very tight spot. The longer you remain locked out, the more affected your work schedule will be.

Like with crypto, victims often face consequences for not meeting the deadlines set by perpetrators. When it comes to locker, the most common form of retribution is leaving victims locked out of their devices indefinitely. Should you ever find yourself dealing with a locker infection, bringing the affected device to a computer repair professional may be the wisest course of action. If you lack any sort of background in tech, a full-on lockout is not a problem you’ll be able to remedy on your own.

Jigsaw

Like crypto and locker, jigsaw ransomware can be merciless. Although every variety of ransomware demands some form of compensation from victims, jigsaw doesn’t give affected parties much time to think about it. Once jigsaw has found its way onto a device, it will encrypt a bevy of files and proceed to systematically delete them until a ransom is paid. The exact mechanics vary from case to case, but in most instances, jigsaw will delete a certain number of files per hour for every hour the ransom isn’t paid. It will continue in this fashion until every encrypted file has been deleted. Depending on how important the encrypted files are to a victim, this can create a very precarious situation.

Few things are more frustrating than having your computer taken hostage by ransomware. Even if you ultimately avoid paying a hefty ransom, you’re still liable to jump through a series of hoops in order to remove the offending software. Fortunately, avoiding ransomware doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. In the fight against ransomware, it helps to know your enemy. By educating yourself on the most notorious forms of ransomware, you can ensure that you’re well-equipped to prevent them from infecting your computer. If online safety is among your top priorities, make sure to steer clear of the malicious software discussed above.