Ransomware isn’t a new threat, but it’s one of the fastest growing security threats right now. And although Kaspersky Lab as well as other security companies have extensively covered the subject, there are some who still don’t know what ransomware is and what it can do.

So to make matters as simple as possible, Kaspersky Lab has come up with an infographic that presents some key facts about ransomware. Check it out below.



Via Kaspersky Daily Blog.


People are confused about ransomware

Earlier this year, Kaspersky Lab surveyed over 4,000 US and over 1,000 Canadian consumers aged 16 or older and found that almost half of them don’t know what ransomware is, nor do they know that type of data could be stolen in a ransomware attack.

Kaspersky Lab published the survey’s findings in a study entitled Ransom-What? Here are the main highlights

• 44% said they do not know what data or information could be stolen in a ransomware attack.
• 43% said they do not know what ransomware is.
• 9% believed it had something to do with social media accounts being held for ransom.
• 15% of Americans and 17% of Canadians believed they could stop a ransomware attack by unplugging the computer or turning off their mobile device.
• 11% of Americans and 12% of Canadians said they don’t have a security product installed on any of their personal digital devices.
• Only 16% said ransomware is a cyber-threat they are worried about.
• 26% of Americans and 24% of Canadians said they would be willing to give up social media permanently in order to guarantee the future protection of their personal digital files.
• 53% said they would not be willing to pay the ransom, even if that meant losing their photos and videos.
• 24% said that paying the ransom could halt the cybercriminals.

“Right now, ransomware is an epidemic. Although it has been around for more than a decade, we have seen a recent explosion of new ransomware families that is cause for serious concern,” said Ryan Naraine, head of the Global Research and Analysis team in the USA, Kaspersky Lab. “With this epidemic, the need for increased consumer awareness about ransomware is essential. Consumers today must not only learn about ransomware, but also use solutions to protect themselves against it, including installing internet security, making sure all devices are updated with available software patches, routinely backing up all important digital assets and implementing better user habits.”


TrendMicro has a ransomware infographic as well

TrendMicro has a wealth of information about ransomware in this article. Including an infographic called Ransonware Rescue Plan.



As a little side note, the Ransomware Rescue Plan infographic above replaces the older Ransomware 101 What, How, & Why infographic that we’ve featured on FindMySoft in the past.

TrendMicro has a ransomware hotline that offers ransomware-specific tech support to people in the US, whether they are Trend Micro customers or not. Call 1-877-558-7363 between 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.

"Trend Micro aims to empower consumers to protect themselves and prevent ransomware infections from ever occurring,” said Eva Chen, CEO of Trend Micro. "Ransomware locks computers and can encrypt files, holding them ransom unless victims pay a set fee. Attackers can then delete photos and documents, or permanently lock a computer. This is why we are committed to helping home users effectively protect their valuable personal data.

"We are committed to helping people defend themselves and their digital lives. Trend Micro is happy to provide useful advice to consumers on how to prevent falling victim to ransomware infections as well as tools to assist them in taking back control of their files and computers taken hostage."

For more information about ransomware, check out this consumer page that TrendMicro set up.


One last ransomware infographic



Via SmartFile.