{"id":411,"date":"2022-12-02T10:52:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-02T10:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extnoc.com\/reactapi\/learn\/?p=411"},"modified":"2025-11-26T12:21:00","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T12:21:00","slug":"types-of-ransomware-attacks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.extnoc.com\/learn\/computer-security\/types-of-ransomware-attacks\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 7 Types of Ransomware Attacks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ransomware attacks are becoming more common. They are usually spread through email attachments, malicious websites, infected USB drives, etc. Once installed, ransomware encrypts files on your computer, making them inaccessible unless you pay a ransom.<\/p>\n

There are many different types of ransomware attacks. Some are designed to target specific operating systems (Windows, Mac OS X, etc.), and others are generic. Most are targeted at individuals, not businesses. Cryptowall targets Windows computers and demands USD 300 per machine, and CryptoDefense targets Mac OS X machines and USD 200 per machine.<\/p>\n

What is a ransomware attack?<\/h2>\n

A ransomware attack<\/a> occurs when someone gains access to your computer or mobile device<\/a> by exploiting a vulnerability in your operating system or web browser. Once they gain control of your machine, they may install malware (malicious software) onto it, which will encrypt all your important files. They may then send you an email demanding money to unlock your files. If you don\u2019t pay, they threaten to delete your files forever.<\/p>\n

What are the different types of ransomware?<\/h2>\n

There are many different strains of ransomware out there. Some are designed to target specific industries, and others are designed to target individual users. Each strain will have its unique features, which means that it\u2019s important to know what type of ransomware you\u2019re dealing with before you start paying off the hacker.<\/p>\n

Cryptoware \u2013 <\/strong>Cryptoware is a type of ransomware that locks down all of your files, and it can be used against both personal and commercial computers. There are several variations of cryptoware, and here are some examples:<\/p>\n

CryptoLocker \u2013<\/strong> This variant was first discovered in 2013. It uses AES 256-bit encryption to lock down your files. You have 72 hours to pay a ransom before permanently deleting your files.<\/p>\n

TeslaCrypt \u2013 <\/strong>This variant was also discovered in 2013. It’s similar to CryptoLocker<\/a> in terms of its encryption technology. However, unlike CryptoLocker, TeslaCrypt<\/a> allows you to choose which files to encrypt.<\/p>\n

Locky \u2013 <\/strong>This variant was discovered in 2014. It uses RSA 2048 bit encryption to lock down your data. Unlike other cryptowares, Locky doesn’t require a ransom payment to decrypt your files. Instead, it deletes encrypted files after seven days.<\/p>\n

File Encryption \u2013 <\/strong>File encryption is ransomware where only specific files are locked down. These files include documents, images, videos, databases, spreadsheets, presentations, etc. This makes it easier to recover your files because you know exactly which ones were affected.<\/p>\n

Here are some examples of file encryption:<\/strong><\/p>\n

WannaCry \u2013 <\/strong>This variant was discovered earlier this year. It affects Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10. It encrypts files using AES 128-bit encryption and then sends a message to victims warning them that their files will be deleted within 48 hours if they do not pay a ransom.<\/p>\n

Petya\/NotPetya \u2013 <\/strong>affects Microsoft Windows 2000, 2003, 2008, 2012, and 2016. It encrypts files with AES 256-bit encryption and then displays a ransom note. Victims must pay a ransom of 0.5 BTC (USD 2,000) to get their files back.<\/p>\n

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How do I know I have been infected with ransomware?<\/h2>\n

If you receive an email asking you to pay a ransom to decrypt your files, there is a good chance you’ve been infected with ransomware. Unfortunately, many people ignore these emails, thinking they’re spam. Others fall victim to phishing scams<\/a> that look like legitimate messages from banks, credit card companies, etc.<\/p>\n

If you think you might have fallen victim to a ransomware infection, here are some things to check out:<\/strong><\/p>\n