Ransomware attacks: detection, prevention and cure

Over the past three years, ransomware has become one of the biggest cyber scams to hit businesses. Indeed, the FBI estimates that losses incurred in 2016 due to ransomware will top 1bn. Ransomware is malicious software that allows a hacker to restrict access to an individual's or company's vital information in some way and then demand some form of payment to lift the restriction. The most common form of restriction today is encryption of important data on the computer or network, which essentially lets the attacker hold user data or a system hostage. Over the past three years, ransomware has become one of the biggest scams to hit businesses. Indeed, the FBI estimates that losses in 2016 will top 1bn. The ramifications of a successful attack are far more extensive than just the cost of the ransom. Organisations can suffer lost productivity, loss of business, inconvenience to customers and potentially the permanent loss of data. Ross Brewer of LogRhythm details the five phases of a ransomware attack and the five steps you can take to prepare for, handle and recover from it.