Ransomware

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Ransomware attacks are on the rise. Ransomware "kidnaps" your data and demands ransom. This video lesson guides you through an attack and discusses what you need to know to protect yourself.

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Watch  the full ransomware infection video

eLearning

Policy and Regulation

The evolution of ransomware

  • 1989: PC Cyborg. Hid files and encrypted names; asked users to pay $189 to get 'repair tool'
  • 1996: Researchers Adam Young and Moti Yung showed that PC Cyborg wasn't very effective, because the key was easy to recover without paying. They released a proof-of-concept cryptovirus that used stronger encryption, and they noted that such an attack could be used for extortion
  • By 2005: really the rise of ransomware. Multiple versions with greater key sizes
  • 2008: first considered unbreakable with 1024 bit RSA key: Gpcode.AK
  • Today: multiple variants like CryptoLocker, CryptoWall

Questions?

Contact the CDSE
Cybersecurity Training Team!

dcsa.cdsetraining@mail.mil