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Ransomwareoperates primarily by encrypting files on the victims infected system, rendering them inaccessible to the user.

The attacker then demands a ransom, often payable in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

Neon letters spelling RANSOMWARE set against a dark background with red and blue circuitry

Ransomware typically affects organizations that rely on immediate access to critical data, such as hospitals and municipal agencies.

Why the surge in ransomware activities?

If the ransom is not paid, attackers may threaten to destroy or leak sensitive data publicly.

Also, normalizing the payment of ransoms leads to an exponential increase of the ransom demand.

Refusing to pay a ransom sends a message against the profitability of cybercrime.

However, organizations must be prepared for the potentialfallout, including the possibility of data leaks.

Recently, ransomware has become the greatest cyber threat to organizations.

One of the most fundamental steps is to useantivirus softwareandfirewallsto protect every machine and web link within the organization.

This helps preventmalwareinfections that can lead to ransomware attacks.

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