The number of ransomware attacks has increased drastically in past 2 years. From 2015 to 2016, the number of ransomware attacks were total 2 million and rose 17.7 % from the previous year. The affected individuals were reportedly victimized by the ransomware attacks. So, as you can see that the ransomware attack was one of the biggest cyber threats in past years and can be increased in this year of 2017! If you’re still doubtable about your knowledge of the cyber security tips, you really need to reask yourself about your behaviors on the web! In this article, we will talk about the latest status of the ransomware that came into the notice recently as a new name called “Doxware”. So, let’s talk about this new topic.
So, what exactly is the ransomware?
It functions by breaching systems. It comes with emails and locks necessary files and even the entire network. The cyber attacker will keep the system locked until you pay them a certain amount of money. That’s why it’s known as the ransomware. According to the statistics of FBI published by MalwareBytes, hackers were able to gain more than $200 million through the ransomware and the total losses was around $1 billion. It is quite dangerous, right?
However, many companies claim that they can easily avoid and reduce the harm of ransomware without paying a single penny by restoring the system backup. It sounds great but the worse thing is about to come. Cyber criminals have created a very new kind of ransomware which is more insidious than the previous ransomware. Doxware is the name of the new ransomware.
How the Doxware works?
Just like the ransomware, Doxware comes to your device and will block your usage facilities. It will hold your computer until you pay the hacker. However, the Doxware takes the attack more dangerous by taking control over the email conversations, sensitive files, videos, and images, etc. The hacker will threaten you to publish that private stuff if you do not agree to pay him. In a sense, it will be quite harder for you to avoid the pay issue. You have to pay the hacker, and it makes the hacker earn some profit.
Recent Attack
In 2014, a phishing malware attacked the Sony Pictures. It resulted a massive loss for the company. Hackers published the private conversations between the company and its producers, employees, filmmakers, actors and future movie plans. It was a significant threat to the business indeed. Another attack took place in earlier 2016. The attack was on a renowned healthcare system MedStar Health, that cost them affecting on 10 hospitals and more than 200 outpatient centers around the country.
As you can see the ransomware is like a pain in the ass. The cyber attack can come in many forms, and it’s for your best to learn the sorts of these attacks, and of course to implement the internet security tips in your daily routine like food and water. However, the Doxware is still under development. So, experts are trying to get the perfect solution to reduce the threat. Hopefully, now you know about the Doxware.