Bleeping Computer – How Does It Operate and What Is It?

Summary

Bleeping Computer .. Bleeping Computer is a popular online platform and community dedicated to providing helpful information, resources, and support related to computer security, technology news, and general computing topics. It was founded in 2004 by Lawrence Abrams, who remains an active participant in the community.

What is the Bleeping Computer?

The primary focus of Bleeping Computer is to assist users in dealing with various computer issues, such as malware infections, troubleshooting software problems, and providing tutorials on a wide range of computer-related topics. The platform offers a wealth of articles, guides, forums, and tools to help users navigate and resolve their computer-related concerns.

One of the key areas of expertise for Bleeping Computer is malware removal. The website hosts a vast collection of malware removal guides and tools, helping users identify and eliminate malicious software from their systems. These resources are regularly updated to keep pace with the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats.

Bleeping Computer also covers technology news and provides analysis on significant developments in the tech industry. This includes topics such as data breaches, software vulnerabilities, new product releases, and emerging technologies.

Who owns Bleeping Computer?

The platform’s community forums are an integral part of Bleeping Computer, where users can seek assistance, share their experiences, and engage in discussions with like-minded individuals. The community is known for its friendly and knowledgeable members who are eager to help and provide guidance.

What is Ransomware?

Malware with the purpose of preventing an individual or group from accessing their computer’s data is called ransomware. Cyberattackers put companies in a situation where paying the ransom is the simplest and least expensive option to have access to their data again by encrypting these files and requesting money in exchange for the decryption key. Some versions of the virus have included other features, such data theft, to entice ransomware victims to pay the ransom.

The most common and obvious kind of malware is now ransomware. Ransomware attacks have disrupted public services in cities, affected hospitals’ capacity to offer essential services, and seriously damaged a number of enterprises.

Why Are Ransomware Attacks Emerging?

The WannaCry attack in 2017 marked the start of the current ransomware mania. The possibility and potential profitability of ransomware attacks were established by this widespread and well-publicized assault. Numerous ransomware variations have been created and used in various assaults ever then.

The current increase in ransomware was also influenced by the COVID-19 epidemic. Organizations’ cybersecurity became weaker as they quickly transitioned to remote labor. These weaknesses have been used by cybercriminals to spread ransomware, which has led to an increase in ransomware assaults.

A startling 71% of businesses have experienced ransomware assaults in this era of digital threats, with an average financial loss of $4.35 million per incidence.

Rogue ransomware attacks have hit 10% of enterprises worldwide in 2023 alone. This is a significant increase from the 7% of firms that faced comparable dangers the year before, which was the highest percentage in recent memory.

How Ransomware Works?

Ransomware requires access to a target system, encrypts the data on it, and then demands a ransom from the victim in order to be successful.
Although the specifics of how each ransomware variation is implemented differ, they always follow the same basic three steps.

Step 1: Vectors of Infection and Distribution

Like any other virus, ransomware may enter a company’s systems via a variety of means. Still, a select few particular attack channels are often preferred by ransomware operators.

Phishing emails are one of them. An attachment with built-in downloader capabilities or a link to a website hosting a malicious download might be found in a malicious email. Should the receiver of the email fall victim to the scam, the ransomware will be downloaded and installed on their machine.

Another well-liked method of spreading ransomware is via using programs like Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). An attacker may remotely access a machine inside the company network by using RDP to authenticate and guess the login credentials of an employee. The attacker may download and run the virus straight into the system they control with this access.

Some could try to directly infect computers, similar to how WannaCry took use of the EternalBlue vulnerability. The majority of ransomware variations have more than one way to spread.

Step 2: Encrypting Data

Ransomware may start encrypting data on a machine once it has obtained access to it. Since operating systems come with encryption built in, all that needs to be done is access the files, use an attacker-controlled key to encrypt them, and then replace the original files with the encrypted ones. To maintain system stability, the majority of ransomware variations choose which files to encrypt carefully. In order to increase the difficulty of recovery without the decryption key, certain variations will additionally take actions to remove backup and shadow copies of data.

Step 3: Demand for Ransom

After the encryption of the file is finished, the ransomware is ready to demand a payment. Although there are many methods that different ransomware versions do this, it is not unusual to have text files installed in each encrypted directory with the ransom note or to have the display backdrop changed to a ransom note. These letters usually request access to the victim’s data in return for a certain quantity of bitcoin. The ransomware operator will either provide a copy of the symmetric encryption key itself or a copy of the private key that was used to protect it if the ransom is paid. The cybercriminal may also supply a decryptor tool that accepts this data and uses it to reverse the encryption and give the user’s files back.

All ransomware variations follow these three basic processes, however some may have extra steps or alternative implementations. For instance, before encrypting data, ransomware versions like Maze examine files, check registry information, and steal data. Meanwhile, WannaCry looks for more susceptible machines to infect and encrypt.

Types of Ransomware Attacks

The previous several years have seen a major evolution in ransomware. Among the significant ransomware subtypes and associated risks are:

Double Extortion: Data encryption and data theft are combined in double-extortion ransomware, such as Maze. This method was created in response to businesses who were recovering from backups and refused to pay ransomware. Cybercriminals may also threaten to release the data they have stolen from an organization if the victim fails to make payment.

Triple Extortion: This kind of ransomware combines double extortion with a third tactic. Often, this entails launching a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) assault on the business in addition to requesting a ransom from the victim’s partners or clients.

Ransomware that doesn’t encrypt the data on the victim’s computer is known as “locker” ransomware. Rather, it locks the victim’s computer, making it useless until the ransom is paid.

Another term for ransomware that emphasizes the fact that bitcoin is sometimes used as payment for malware is “crypto ransomware.” This is because, because cryptocurrencies are digital currency not under the control of the established financial system, they are harder to trace.

Wiper: While connected to ransomware, wipers are a different kind of malware. The objective is to permanently prevent access to the encrypted data, even if they could use the same encryption algorithms. This might include erasing the single copy of the encryption key.

Ransomware as a Service, or RaaS, is a malware distribution mechanism whereby ransomware groups provide access to their virus to “affiliates.” These associates use software to infect targets and divide any money received in ransom with the creators of the ransomware.

Stealing of Data Ransomware: Some ransomware variations have completely abandoned data encryption in favor of stealing data. This is due, in part, to the fact that encryption may be laborious and simple to identify, giving an organization the chance to remove the virus and shield some files from encryption.

Popular Ransomware Variants

There are several ransomware variations, each with distinct features of its own. But certain ransomware gangs have distinguished themselves from the others by being more active and successful than others.

1. Ryuk

One ransomware strain that is highly targeted is called Ryuk. Typically, spear phishing emails are used to spread it, or compromised user credentials may be used to utilize Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to access corporate systems. After infecting a system, Ryuk demands a ransom and encrypts certain files—avoiding those essential to a computer’s functionality.

One of the priciest varieties of ransomware currently in use is Ryuk. Ryuk often seeks ransoms over $1 million. Because of this, the hackers behind Ryuk mostly target businesses who have the means to satisfy their demands.

2. Maze

The Maze ransomware is renowned for being the first strain to combine data theft with file encryption. Targets were refusing to pay ransoms, so Maze started gathering private information from their computers and encrypting it. This data would either be sold to the highest bidder or made publicly available if the ransom demands were not satisfied. An further inducement to pay was the threat of a costly data leak.

Officially, the gang responsible for the Maze ransomware has ceased activities. This does not, however, imply that ransomware is no longer a danger. The Egregor ransomware has been adopted by certain Maze affiliates, and it is thought that the sources of the Egregor, Maze, and Sekhmet variations are similar.

3.Lastly, REvil (Sodinokibi)

Large enterprises are the target of another ransomware strain called REvil group, sometimes referred to as Sodinokibi.

One of the most well-known families of ransomware on the internet is REvil. Since 2019, the Russian-speaking REvil organization has been running the ransomware group, which is accountable for several significant breaches, including “Kaseya” and “JBS.”

For the last several years, it has been in competition with Ryuk to become the priciest ransomware strain. It is well known that REvil wanted ransom money totaling $800,000.

Although REvil started out as a classic ransomware variation, it has since changed. Now, it uses the Double Extortion method to encrypt files and steal data from organizations. This implies that, in addition to requesting a ransom to unlock data, hackers may also threaten to divulge the stolen information in the event that a second payment is not received.

4. Lockbit

Operating since September 2019, LockBit is a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) that encrypts data. This particular ransomware was created with the intention of fast encrypting huge enterprises in order to evade detection by IT/SOC teams and security appliances.

5. Sincerely, DearCry

Microsoft published updates for four vulnerabilities on Microsoft Exchange servers in March 2021. A new ransomware version called DearCry was created to exploit four Microsoft Exchange vulnerabilities that were just made public.

Some file formats are encrypted by the DearCry ransomware. After the encryption process is complete, victims will get a ransom notice from DearCry telling them to contact the ransomware’s controllers to request instructions on how to unlock their data.

6. Lapsus$

A ransomware group based in South America, Lapsus$ has been connected to cyberattacks on a number of prominent targets. The cyber gang has a reputation for using extortion to coerce victims into paying demands or risk releasing confidential information. The gang has bragged of infiltrating companies such as Nvidia, Samsung, and Ubisoft. The gang poses as trustworthy malware files by using stolen source code.

How Does Ransomware Affect Businesses?

An effective ransomware assault may affect a company in a number of ways. Among the most typical dangers are:

Financial Losses: The goal of ransomware attacks is to have its targets pay a ransom. Additionally, businesses may suffer financial losses as a result of missed revenue, possible legal expenses, and the expense of cleaning up the infection.

Data Loss: As part of their extortion tactics, some ransomware assaults encrypt data. Even in cases when the business pays the ransom and obtains a decryptor, this may often lead to data loss.

Data Breach: Double or triple extortion assaults are becoming a more common tactic used by ransomware gangs. These attacks combine data encryption with possible exposure and data theft.

Downtime: Triple extortion attacks may include DDoS attacks, and ransomware encrypts important data. There is a chance that both of these may disrupt an organization’s operations.
Brand Damage: An organization’s reputation among clients and partners may suffer as a result of ransomware attacks. This is particularly true if consumer information is compromised or if ransomware demands are made against them.
Legal and Regulatory Penalties: Sensitive data breaches and ransomware attacks may be made possible by careless security measures. This might expose a business to legal action or fines from authorities.

Common Ransomware Target Industries

Ransomware may affect every kind of business, regardless of its sector. On the other hand, ransomware is often used in conjunction with a cybercrime operation that targets a certain sector. In 2023, the top five industries targeted by ransomware are as follows:

Education/Research: In 2023, there were 2046 ransomware attacks in the Education/Research industry, a 12% decrease from the year before.

Government/Military: With 1598 assaults and a 4% decline from 2022, government and military entities were the second most targeted industry.

Healthcare: Because it handles sensitive data and offers vital services, the industry saw a 3% rise in assaults and 1500 attacks overall. This is very worrying.
Communications: In 2023, there were 1493 known assaults, representing an 8% increase in communications companies.
ISPs and MSPs: Although they are often the target of ransomware attacks because of their vulnerability to supply chain intrusions, ISPs and MSPs had 1286 ransomware incidents in 2023, a 6% decline.

How to Protect Against Ransomware

Apply Best Practices

An effective defense may significantly reduce the impact and expense of a ransomware assault. By using the following best practices, a business may lessen its vulnerability to ransomware and lessen its effects:

Cyber Awareness Education and Training: Phishing emails are a common way that ransomware is distributed. It is essential to teach people how to recognize and prevent any ransomware attacks. User education is frequently seen as one of the most crucial defenses a company can implement, as many of the contemporary cyber-attacks begin with a targeted email that does not even include malware, but rather a socially-engineered message that entices the user to click on a harmful link.

Regular data backups: According to the definition of ransomware, it is malicious software intended to encrypt data and prevent access until a ransom is paid. An enterprise may recover from an assault with the least amount of data loss and without having to pay a ransom thanks to automated, secured data backups. It is important to keep frequent data backups in order to guard against data loss and ensure that it can be restored in the case of disk hardware failure or corruption. Recovering from ransomware attacks may also be facilitated with functional backups for enterprises.

Patching: Patching is an essential part of preventing ransomware attacks since hackers often search the patches for the most recent discovered vulnerabilities and use them to target unpatched systems. Because fewer possible vulnerabilities exist inside the company for an attacker to exploit, it is imperative that firms make sure all systems have the most recent fixes deployed.
User Verification: Attackers using ransomware often utilize stolen user credentials to gain access to services like RDP. Strong user authentication might make it more difficult for a hacker to utilize a password that they have guesses or stolen.

Cut Down on the Area of Attack

The best ransomware mitigation technique is prevention, given the huge potential cost of an infestation. Reducing the assault surface may be accomplished by taking care of the following:

Phishing Emails Not Protected Deficiencies
Solutions for Remote Access
Install an anti-ransomware solution for mobile malware.

When ransomware is installed on a system, it leaves a distinct trail as it must encrypt every file that a user possesses. These fingerprints are used to identify anti-ransomware programs. A decent anti-ransomware solution should include the following common features:

broad detection of variants

Quick detection

Autonomous recovery

Restoration method not dependent on standard built-in utilities (such as “Shadow Copy,” which some ransomware versions target).

How to Remove Ransomware?

Nobody likes to receive a ransom notice on their computer since it indicates that the ransomware attack was effective. An enterprise must decide whether to pay the ransom or not at this stage, and there are activities that may be performed in response to an active ransomware outbreak.

How to Mitigate an Active Ransomware Infection

Many successful ransomware attacks go undetected until after the data has been fully encrypted and a ransom notice has shown on the screen of the compromised machine. Although it’s probably too late to recover the encrypted data at this time, the following actions should be done right away:

Put the Computer in quarantine: Some ransomware variations may attempt to infect other computers and associated disks. Cut off access to further possible targets to stop the malware’s propagation.

Keep the Computer On: Turning off a computer might cause volatile memory to be lost, and encrypting data may cause an unstable machine. Continue using the computer to increase the likelihood of recovery.

Make a Backup: In the case of some ransomware versions, it is feasible to decrypt data without having to pay the ransom. To protect your data from harm or in the event that a decryption attempt fails, make a duplicate of any encrypted files on removable media.

Examine any decryptors: See if there is a free decryptor accessible by contacting the No More Ransom Project. If so, try using it to recover the files using a duplicate of the encrypted data.
Ask for Assistance: Backup copies of data are sometimes kept on computers. If the infection hasn’t erased these copies, a digital forensics specialist may be able to retrieve them.
Wipe and Restore: Use a fresh operating system installation or backup to restore the computer. This guarantees that all malware is eliminated from the device.

How Can Check Point Help

With the help of a specially designed engine, Check Point’s Anti-Ransomware technology protects against the most crafty, elusive zero-day ransomware variations while securely recovering encrypted data to maintain productivity and business continuity. Our research team is constantly confirming the efficacy of this technology and achieving consistently good outcomes in terms of detection and mitigation of assaults.

Using Check Point’s industry-leading network safeguards, Harmony Endpoint, the company’s top endpoint prevention and response solution, protects web browsers and endpoints and comes with Anti-Ransomware technology. Without sacrificing productivity, Harmony Endpoint offers comprehensive, real-time threat prevention and remediation for all malware attack vectors, allowing workers to operate securely from any location.

Responding to a Ransomware Infection

What to do if you believe your computer has been infected with ransomware

1. Switch off all of your networks

Unplug Ethernet connections and turn off wifi and any other network devices.
Put the device in “fly” mode.
Switch off your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
By doing this, the ransomware may be prevented from propagating to shared network resources like file sharing.

2. Turn off and immediately disconnect all external electronics:

USB devices or memory sticks connected to phones or cameras
External hard drives or any other devices that can be weak points

3. Document the Occurrence

The school must disclose incidents as quickly as feasible in order to save expenses associated with damage and recovery.

If you are using a different system and have an internet connection, please go to Reporting an Incident.
You may access Option 1 or Option 3 over the phone at 510-664-9000.

What do I do if I believe my system has been infected by Ransomware?

Warning signs that ransomware may have infiltrated your system:

There is a notification on your desktop or web browser asking for payment to unlock your system, and/or one or more of your file folders has a “ransom note” file—typically a.txt file.
Your filenames now all have a new file extension added to them.

Ransomware file extensions include.ecc,.ezz,.exx,.zzz,.xyz,.aaa,.abc,.ccc,.vvv,.xxx,.ttt,.micro,.encrypted,.locked,.crypto, _crypt,.crinf,.r5a,.XRNT,.XTBL,.crypt,.R16M01D05,.pzdc,.good,.LOL!,.OMG!,.RDM,.RRK,.encryptedRSA,.crjoker,.EnCiPhErEd,.LeChiffre,.keybtc@inbox_com,.0x0,.bleep,.1999,.vault,.HA3,.toxcrypt,.magic,.SUPERCRYPT,.CTBL,.