What is Ransomware? A Brief Guide

August 26, 2025 By admin No Comments 10 minutes

You’re likely to fall victim to a ransomware attack if you don’t take the necessary precautions against cyber threats. For example, using a VPN can help you avoid falling victim to ransomware. But there’s more to know about it. This guide covers what is ransomware, ransomware meaning, why it is difficult to trace ransomware criminals, and how to prevent this threat. Keep reading to find out all!

Ransomware Definition: What Is Ransomware Primarily Designed to Do?

Ransomware virus is primarily designed to extort money from victims by holding their data or devices hostage. Hackers often use a specific ransomware virus that blocks access to a computer system or data until a ransom is paid.

Ransomware is executed through two main methods:

1. Encryption-based ransomware: You’re asked for a ransom in return for your data.
2. Locker ransomware: Focuses on locking you out of your device rather than encrypting individual files.

While these are common methods of executing a ransomware attack, attackers have now developed more sophisticated ways to increase pressure on victims to pay. However, the gist remains the same. Users are forced into making a financial payment to a cybercriminal by being denied access or threatened with the destruction or public release of stolen data.

How Can Ransomware Infect Your Device?

Ransomware virus can access your system by various means, but malicious spam is the attackers’ most favorite trick so far. In this method, attackers use unsolicited emails to inject malware into a victim’s system or files.

Such emails may contain different types of content files to trick users into navigating to malicious websites. Most of the email content elements include Word docs, PDFs, and other attachments.

Cybercriminals use social engineering to trick users to click or open a malicious source. The social engineering attack uses trusted sources and appears to be an email from a friend or colleague. Victim trusts the source and clicks on the malicious link; later, malware gets delivered into the victim’s system.

After malicious spam, the second most popular ransomware attack is malvertising, which involves malicious online ads. Such ads don’t need user interaction and automatically redirect users to a criminal web server without a single click.

The server caches user information including location and computer then sends malware or performs a ransomware attack.

Types of Ransomware

There are various types of ransomware attacks. But, the most common and useful classification is through their primary method of attack. Here’s a brief breakdown of the main types of ransomware attacks:

1. Encrypting Ransomware

As per the ransomware definition, this type of ransomware encrypts all your files and essential data. Cybercriminals demand you to pay a heavy ransom to restore data access. However, this is the most dangerous form of ransomware because once an attacker takes control of your data, it’s impossible to regain it without paying the ransom. It is not 100% guaranteed that criminals will get your access back even after receiving the amount from you.

2. Scareware

Scareware is not the most dangerous form of ransomware virus. However, this type of ransomware definition sends a fake notification saying that malware has been detected in your system, and you can only fix it by paying a fee. If you don’t pay, nothing will happen; all your files will remain safe, but the notification will continue to appear on your screen.

It is recommended to always buy authentic antivirus and security software programs to avoid false payment notifications. Check FastestVPN’s advice on the best antivirus software to protect your system.

3. Screen Lockers

Screen locker is another intimidating form of ransomware definition. It takes away your entire system from you. In this attack, when you open your PC, a screen pops up and says that illegal activity has been detected from the system and you have to pay a fine for that.

This message appears to be coming from the FBI, but it’s a ransomware trick.

Why Are Ransomware Attacks Becoming More Common?

There are various reasons why ransomware attacks are becoming more common. While it’s mostly the profit motive, lowered barriers to entry and potential for high impact are making ransomware attacks more common. Here are the common reasons why ransomware attacks are becoming more popular:

1. Potential for High Impact

As per the ransomware definition, these attacks don’t only target individuals and their data, but also hospitals, schools and government agencies. For these organizations, downtime can halt lifesaving procedures, disrupt entire cities or cost millions of dollars per day in lost revenue. This critical nature makes victims pay the ransom quickly even if they have backups. The threat of leaking data or halting it adds immense pressure, leading to paid ransoms.

2. Easy Access to Hacking Tools

Ransom as a Service (RaaS) platforms work as legit software subscriptions. Affiliates get easy-to-use dashboards, tutorials, and customer support. Even without technical support, these tools are easy to use. The web is flooded with for-sale initial access to corporate tools, credentials, phishing kits, and more. Hackers can easily buy what they need instead of developing it themselves.

3. Security Gaps in Networks

Modern corporate networks are vast and complex. This creates a large attack surface that is difficult to defend. Following that, not updating system software enables attackers to use known vulnerabilities and get in.

4. Use of Cryptocurrency

Due to crypto’s decentralized nature, hackers receive large payments across borders without the traditional banking system. It isn’t completely anonymous, but it makes it harder for law enforcement to trace and seize transfers.

5. Low-Risk Crime

Many ransomware hackers operate from states that have hostile or non-cooperative relationships with Western law enforcement. These governments often turn a blind eye to cybercriminals as long as they don’t target their own citizens. Meaning, they mostly leverage a safe haven from prosecution.

Why Are Ransomware Criminals Difficult to Track?

Tracking ransom ware criminals is difficult due to various reasons. Mostly, this is due to the crime’s multi-layered approach. Ransomware crimes combine technology, financial obfuscation, and operating from safe havens. Here’s a brief explanation of factors that make ransomware criminals difficult to track:

1. Online Anonymity

Ransomware criminals operate their communication and payment sites on the dark web. They often use anonymous browsing networks, such as TOR or other browsers that offer complete online anonymity.

Additionally, they don’t host their servers in their own names. Instead, they rely on bulletproof hosting providers and stolen or leased servers. This makes it extremely difficult to trace the physical location of the server hosting their data leak blog or payment portal.

2. Use of Cryptocurrencies

Unlike traditional financial systems, cryptocurrencies don’t leave a trail. Ransom payments are mostly in cryptocurrencies. Since Bitcoin transactions are public on its blockchain, they are pseudonymous. Meaning, they are tied to a wallet address and not a name.

Hackers also utilize tumbling services, or mixing services, to pool together user coins and then re-mix them to ensure there are no traces. Following this, the cryptocurrency has to be eventually cashed out. This can be from unregulated foreign exchanges or using prepaid cards. This further layers the money trail.

3. Operational Security (OpSec) and Structure

Modern hacking groups operate like legit businesses. They ensure their structure leaks no detail out for almost zero detection. For example, Ransom as a Service (RaaS) services are widely used to carry out ransomware attacks. RaaS services have their designated affiliates that carry out the attack, rather than you having to do it.

Along with that, members of the group are scattered around the globe, and they only know each other online via aliases. These members are often situated in countries where there are underdeveloped relations with the West. Meaning, tracking down the victims is more complex than normal.

4. Geopolitical Hurdles

Most prolific hacking groups are believed to be based in countries that are politically adversarial to the West. In case of any complaint internationally filed, there might not be much done as long as the criminal doesn’t harm the domestic companies. Even when law enforcement identifies and arrests a criminal, carrying out the investigation will be challenging due to the lack of cooperation between states.

5.  The Ghost Nature of the Crime

Unlike physical crimes, digital crimes are quite hard to trace. They leave no physical trace, such as fingerprints or DNA. These crimes can be executed from anywhere in the world as long as there’s an internet connection. Moreover, they require highly specialized technical skills to investigate. This creates a resource gap for many law enforcement agencies.

What Is Ransomware Software?

RaaS (Ransomware as a Service) is a cybercrime business model. Ransomware virus developers sell malware or codes to other hackers as a service. Criminals pay for the service, and its affiliates carry out the attack, rather than the service buyer/leader doing it himself.

RaaS works similarly to any legit SaaS product. Developers package all tools and services into a complete RaaS kit. These are then sold to hackers who carry out ransomware attacks, rather than a criminal personally carrying out an attack.

These software have four different revenue models for selling their software kit. Hackers can opt for any one of these models:

• One-time full fee
• Profit sharing
• Software affiliate programs
• Recurring monthly subscription

Who is a Target for Ransomware?

As mentioned above in the ransomware meaning section, these are not random attacks. Cybercriminals target organizations that may easily fall victim due to security holes. A great example is university networks that are less secure and overburdened.

Moreover, organizations like hospitals and government institutes can also be an easy target for cybercriminals because such organizations will quickly pay to restore access to important data. Organizations with sensitive data usually get convinced to pay more, and that’s the reason that cyber attackers always search for crucial data files.

Does Ransomware Affect Smartphones?

Yes, ransomware attacks are common in mobile phones too. Referring to ransomware meaning, these attacks take place via malicious applications. Attackers send a ransomware virus or malware to the phone via a malicious app download and lock your phone after receiving certain app permissions.

What to Do If My Device Catches Malware?

Referring to ransomware meaning, it’s best to discuss things with an IT specialist first or try free decryptors. In some cases, paying the ransom might be your only choice. Keep regular backups of your data. In addition, if you are using Mac device, then contact Apple support community to get the best ransomware protection for mac.

What Is Ransomware Protection: Mitigating Against Ransomware Threats

The best way to remove a ransomware virus is to be proactive when it comes to cybersecurity. Use the best cybersecurity tools such as antivirus software and VPN to stay protected. In case, if you find that your system is getting slow for no reason, then run an anti-virus scan.

Create a full backup of your data; you may take advantage of cloud storage. Always scan an external device before using it. Lastly, never open a source or email without proper authentication.

Conclusion

Ransomware attacks are dangerous because they lock away your data and ask you to pay a ransom. There is no guarantee that your data will be recovered even after paying the ransom. You can keep your data safe by using cybersecurity tools such as a VPN and antivirus software. After all, a little investment in cybersecurity is far better than paying a ransom.