22 July 2016

Ransomware is nasty, nasty business

Ransomware has achieved a revival, and it has come back stronger, says Trend Micro.

Today, ransomware not only locks a victim’s computer or mobile phone, but also encrypts the data stolen. This makes sure that even if the victim is able to remove the ransomware, the encrypted files remain inaccessible without paying for the decryption key.

In the first five months of 2016 (from January to May), Trend Micro blocked 66 million ransomware attacks globally, 10 million in the Asia Pacific region (APAC). In addition, the company has discovered at least 50 new types of ransomware.

Source: Trend Micro. Ransomware facts and figures. The market rate for ransoms is currently between half to 5 Bitcoins.
Source: Trend Micro. Ransomware facts and figures. The market rate for ransoms is currently between half to 5 Bitcoins.


Source: Trend Micro. Ransomware facts and figures. A Bitcoin cost around US$643 at the time the infographic was created, and US$659 at the time of writing. This puts 5 Bitcoins at US$3,295 today.
Source: Trend Micro. Ransomware facts and figures. A Bitcoin cost around US$643 at the time the infographic was created, and US$659 at the time of writing. This puts 5 Bitcoins at US$3,295 today.