{"id":5504,"date":"2016-06-22T06:44:48","date_gmt":"2016-06-22T10:44:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/?p=5504"},"modified":"2019-11-15T15:24:09","modified_gmt":"2019-11-15T11:24:09","slug":"ransomware-blocker-to-cryptor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/ransomware-blocker-to-cryptor\/5504\/","title":{"rendered":"Ransomware’s history and evolution in facts and figures"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ransomware has hit the news in a big way lately. Is this malware just another hot-button topic that everybody will forget about as soon as a new big threat emerges? Unfortunately, that\u2019s unlikely: Ransomware infections are reaching pandemic rates, and this type of malware is not going to vanish any time soon. We are not trying to scare you \u2014 well, we are, but not for kicks. Have a look at the statistics gathered by\u00a0Kaspersky Security Network<\/a>\u00a0and you\u2019ll see \u2014 we are facing a really dangerous threat.<\/p>\n

The first wave: blockers<\/h3>\n

Ransomware\u2019s history can be divided into two parts: before encryption and after it. Blockers were the ancestors of modern cryptors. This malware blocked access to a user\u2019s operating system or browser until the victim paid a moderate ransom. Paying typically required sending an SMS to a short code (an alternative to a telephone number, often used for charity giving) or transferring money to an e-wallet.<\/p>\n

This malware used to be rather profitable \u2014 and criminals used it widely. Naturally, security experts and law enforcement agencies tackled the problem quickly.<\/p>\n

They found an elegant solution and struck at the cybercriminals\u2019 business from the side of payment systems. When the regulatory rules of electronic payments changed, cybercrime became simultaneously less profitable and more risky\u2019 and many culprits got busted.<\/p>\n

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#Tip<\/a> of the week: Fighting screen lockers with @kaspersky<\/a> products https:\/\/t.co\/SAS4x4ve9o<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/11SGH4e8nR<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Kaspersky (@kaspersky) June 3, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n