Ransomware is a kind of malware that steals users\u2019 files and exacts a ransom from its victims. The most effective approach is to encrypt the files and offer decryption keys for ransom \u2014 hence why this malicious programming is also referred to as cryptoware.<\/p>\n
This is a huge problem nowadays, with new examples of ransomware circulating on a regular basis. There\u2019s already a great number of them out there:\u00a0CryptoLocker<\/a>,\u00a0TorrentLocker<\/a>,\u00a0PrisonLocker<\/a>,\u00a0Cryptowall<\/a>,\u00a0CoinVault<\/a>,\u00a0TeslaCrypt<\/a>,\u00a0CTB-Locker<\/a>\u00a0and so on and so forth.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a good reason why this type of malware is so popular among cybercriminals: it is a very profitable business with\u00a0a clear action plan and direct monetization<\/a>. Criminals simply infect a person\u2019s computer, block their files, contact them for ransom, and as long as the victim values their files, receive payment.<\/p>\n TeslaCrypt #ransomware<\/a> is beginning to take a toll on its victims \u2013 http:\/\/t.co\/WYVr6BnU7L<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/iOMJX7wzTd<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Kaspersky (@kaspersky) May 19, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n