How does a hacker extort money by using ransomware?
After a victim finds out he cannot open a file, he receives an email demanding a relatively small amount of money in exchange for a the password. If the victim won’t pay for the file, the “Bad Guy” won’t delete his files, on the other hand, he will create an Anti-Ransomware tool and sell it online. That Anti-Ransomware tool will contain the key to decrypt these files and that’s it “The Bad Guy” will gain money and reputation.
a. SMS Ransomware – This type of ransomware locks your computer and displays a ransom message with a code. To unlock your computer, you are ordered to send the provided code via text message to a premium-rate SMS number to receive the corresponding code to unlock it.
b. File Encryptors – This kind of ransomware can encrypt your personal files and folders using complex encryption algorithms to make your computer’s data unusable. The malware author then demands that you pay for the decryption key using one of the online payment systems.
c. MBR Ransomware – MBR Ransomware can change your computer’s Master Boot Record (MBR) and interrupt the normal boot process. The MBR is a partition on your computer’s hard drive that boots the operating system. When this ransomware strikes, the ransom message is displayed as soon as the computer is turned on, meaning that you do not get the chance to load the operating system to remove the infection and repair your system.
How to remove ransomware (the best tools)?