A software that demands a ransom was the weapon of choice used in a wave of unprecedented global cyber attacks Friday that affected 130,000 systems in more than 100 countries.
The attacks have raised questions about how this so-called ransomware works, and how to guard against it.
– What is ransomware? –
Ransomware is malicious software which locks computer files and forces users to pay the attackers a designated sum in the virtual Bitcoin currency to regain access to the files.
Ransomware is used on PCs as well as tablets and smartphones. It can affect “at the same time individuals, businesses and institutions,” Amar Zendik, CEO security firm Mind Technologies, told AFP.
The attacks have raised questions about how this so-called ransomware works, and how to guard against it.
– What is ransomware? –
Ransomware is malicious software which locks computer files and forces users to pay the attackers a designated sum in the virtual Bitcoin currency to regain access to the files.
Ransomware is used on PCs as well as tablets and smartphones. It can affect “at the same time individuals, businesses and institutions,” Amar Zendik, CEO security firm Mind Technologies, told AFP.
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