The damage caused by global ransomware is predicted to exceed $5 billion in 2017, according to researcher Cybersecurity Ventures. Up from $325 million in 2015, the costs represent not just the amount of the ransom, but also the costs of downtime and lost productivity.
Ransomware is any type of malicious software that infects a computer and either prevents it from working as it should or prevents access to certain files until the user pays a ransom. Typically, the hackers behind the ransomware demand bitcoin — a type of digital currency that is difficult for police to trace.
Businesses of all sizes have become targets of ransomware, as it can infect not only personal computers, but also entire networks and servers.
Author: Rggie Dejean