Ransomware

According to the Government of Canada, ransomware attacks are the most common kind of cyber threat. During these attacks, scammers use malicious software to encrpt, steal, or delete a company's data and then demand a ransom for restoring access to the system.

Means of contact

• Online

Description of scam
Ransomware is a form of malware that denies access to the user until a ransom is paid. Scammers send urgent messages or program urgent looking pop-ups to set a trap and entice users to select a link, at which time malware can be downloaded without your knowledge. Scammers then threaten to destroy or release confidential information from your computer unless you pay them a ransom.

Tactics used

• Sends urgent messages or program urgent looking pop-ups to set a trap and entice users to select a link, at which time malware can be downloaded without your knowledge.
• Threatens to destroy or release confidential information from your computer unless you pay them to access your system again.

Additional information
The impact of ransomware can be devastating to an orgnization. They can block access to vital data information and devices in some cases, leaving the orgnization (think hospitals) without being able to serve their clients (or patients).

Scammers have become emboldened by their success by first getting access to an organization's infrastructure system, then identifying the most critical systems that hold high-value data, personal information, or information that if leaked could cause reputational damage. Now knowing this information, the scammers can then deploy the ransomware and monitor the communications and recovery plan of the organization.