A decentralized, digital currency that represented the next significant development in the globalization of technology, cryptocurrency was previously seen as a potential replacement for conventional fiat money.
Yet, today’s top practical purpose for cryptocurrencies is for crooks to employ as a means of money laundering. This reality has contributed to a ransomware boom that has affected two-thirds of enterprises globally, making it even more crucial for businesses to understand how to best protect themselves in the face of what has evolved into a worldwide disaster.
Cryptocurrency Altered The Rules For Ransomware And Cybercrime.
The negotiation of ransoms used to be totally physical, even face-to-face, with criminals leaving duffel bags of cash or demanding ransom in person from their victims. It’s virtually impossible to envision today’s criminals being willing to engage in such elaborate and public ransom exchanges – behavior that was so harmful in some parts of the world that it even inspired legislation outlawing ransom payments completely to deter thieves.
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Because they don’t have to, it’s difficult to see modern hackers going to those lengths. The typical ransomware organization doesn’t have to think about how to pick up and move a huge sum of money, or arrange a drop-off location for a ransom.
More Profitable, Less Likelihood Of Being Caught
The nature of cybercriminals’ fraudulent schemes has also evolved as a result of how cryptocurrency has disrupted cybercrime payments. Cybercriminals make hundreds of millions of dollars through credit card fraud, e-gold Ponzi schemes, GreenDot Moneypak frauds, and gift card fraud from some of the largest businesses.
Nonetheless, each of these strategies rarely succeeds in making more than a few hundred dollars. They are also exceedingly difficult to pull off and carry a high danger of being discovered or completely rejected by the bank, leading to fraud against the store.
Ransomware has replaced all of these strategies as a result of cryptocurrencies. It became simpler to buy, mine, and transfer digital currency thanks to the growth of Bitcoin and Bitcoin ATMs, effectively approving the modern ransomware attack.
A multilayered Defense Against Ransomware Is The Greatest Offense.
As always, the strongest tools we have to combat the expanding worldwide ransomware issue are those that assist organizations in becoming more attack- and recovery-ready.
Make regular backups of your data and practice regularly restoring that data from those backups: Your first experience learning about data restoration should not be during a ransomware assault. The less disruptive the data recovery procedure is to your firm, and the less inclined you will be to pay the ransom, the more experience you have.
Avoid Being Seduced By The Easiest Route.
Lastly, simply refuse to pay the ransom. The possibility of machinery becoming encrypted and forcing an operational shutdown may literally mean the difference between life and death for businesses like hospitals or utility suppliers. The path of least resistance is to bite the bullet and pay the ransom. Yet, paying ransoms merely fuels the crypto-ransomware industry’s economy and encourages ransomware gangs to continue their attacks.
Furthermore, you can’t be certain that the attackers will truly unlock your data. Although though most paying customers receive part of their data returned, it’s rarely enough to avoid the necessity for a complete backup recovery. Even worse, it makes you a target for upcoming ransomware organizations.
