Four Common Ransomware Attack Targets

Over the last two years, many organizations of all sizes, locations, and sectors have been targeted by cybercriminals. Nonetheless, specific patterns have developed, exposing what variables ransomware gangs consider when selecting a victim and what attack channels and weaknesses they use. Knowing these might help determine whether you are at a larger risk than others, necessitating additional protection precautions.

Human resource department

A recent study revealed that the human resources department is one of the top five target industries for ransomware attacks. According to the report, ransomware has disrupted the learning process for 34,000 students in Buffalo Public Schools in March 2021. Also, that same month, Howard University canceled two days of classes after a ransomware attack hit it. While this attack is not as damaging as one might think, it is a significant security risk for employers.

The attacks usually involve tricking users into providing their passwords and clicking on a virus-infected email attachment. Several ways to prevent this type of ransomware attack include educating individuals on the dangers of malware and training employees to not open attachments from unsolicited email sources. Internal security teams can also conduct simulated phishing emails to ensure employees know how to protect themselves.

Mobile devices

As ransomware continues to evolve, more malware is targeting mobile devices. These mobile malware attacks can record audio, track location, and even delete content. This means that mobile devices may be at greater risk than traditional computers. Additionally, cybercriminals are targeting both Android and Apple smartphones. However, Android is more open than the Apple app store, meaning malicious apps can be downloaded from third-party app stores. Therefore, Android users should stay vigilant about ransomware and download only applications from trusted sources.

Some of the first ransomware to infect Android devices was the so-called “police virus.” Infected devices displayed a cyber police warning, requiring the user to pay a ransom to unlock their device. Another police-themed ransomware spread via text messages. Targeted victims received a fake profile with their photos. This fake account asked them to download an app called PhotoViewer, which then displayed a fake FBI warning. After the victim’s payment, the ransom note was locked on their device, and the attacker demanded $50 to unlock the device.

Macs

There is a growing number of ransomware attacks on Macs, and the threat actors are becoming increasingly sophisticated. The popularity of the Mac makes it an attractive target for hackers, but the rise in malware has made the Mac less secure. As a result, Mac users need to ensure their system is protected from these attacks with a robust cybersecurity solution. Mac includes award-winning antivirus and advanced malware protection for macOS. The service also provides malware samples and identifies its infection vector and purpose.

The default network file-sharing technology on Macs is SMB. Apple has its implementation of SMB, which is fully compatible with the Microsoft version. Another popular ransomware attack on Macs was Petya, which hit Europe in June 2017.

Entertainment industry

The entertainment industry has become a top target for ransomware attacks. Several factors make it a prime target for cybercriminals. First, several of these industries are well-equipped to pay ransomware demands. However, not all of them are secure.

The stakes are much higher for media and entertainment companies. Ransomware has become a popular method for hackers to extort money from victims. And because media companies tend to be more vulnerable to cyberattacks than most, the threat is increasing. Despite this, existing deterrence systems are ineffective and simply staying the course is not a viable option. Fortunately, there are ways to protect the media and entertainment industry from ransomware without compromising productivity.