CIS 552 WEEK 8 Ransomeware and Virus Protection, Assignment 3

Name CIS 552 Assignment 3 Ransomeware and Virus Protection Identify the common targets of ransomware. Explain why these targets are so attractive to hackers. Ransomware is a form of malicious software or malware that has taken over your computer, threatens you with harm, and denies you access to your data. The attacker then demands a ran- som from the victim to hopefully restore access to the data upon payment. Ransomeware can be disbursed through many outlets. One of the most common delivery systems is phishing spam; at- tachments that come to the victim in an email, masquerading as a file they should trust. Once they're downloaded and opened, they can take over the victim's computer, especially if they have built-in social engineering tools that trick users into allowing administrative access. Common targets of ransomware is usually large corporations, but small businesses, mid sized companies, enterprises, and organizations are fair game too. These targets can be attractive to hackers for many reason like money and publicity.