News Exercise #186

1. Why is ransomware a popular tool for criminals?
2. How does ransomware get onto somebody’s computer?
3. What is the origin of this ransomware tool?
4. How can we protect ourselves from this?

Answers:
1. Why is ransomware a popular tool for criminals?
It is very easy to buy ransomware online for as little as 39 USD, and so the criminals do not need to be experts.
2. How does ransomware get onto somebody’s computer?
It is contained in an email attachment that can run on a computer when the recipient opens it.
3. What is the origin of this ransomware tool?
It seems that it was a hacking tool that had been leaked from the US National Security Agency in April.
4. How can we protect ourselves from this?
Microsoft said that as long as we had downloaded and installed the latest Windows update, then we are safe.