A single biological virus strain from a single point of origin can infect hundreds and thousands of people. Ransomware infection also spreads like a medical virus. Ransomware delivery on a single device can affect numerous devices connected to the same server.
In other words, the success of a ransomware attack largely depends on how it is delivered to the targeted digital environment. Cryptovirological operators use several techniques to deliver the payload of ransomware to the intended targets, and phishing campaigns is one of them.
Phishing emails were initially used to steal confidential information and login credentials of the affected users. However, cybercriminals have upgraded and extended the use of phishing emails. Now, they are also used for the delivery of malware scripts including ransomware.
Why Cryptovirological Operators Use Phishing Campaigns?
By devising a phishing campaign, ransomware operators are able to target hundreds and thousands of users in a single go. This mass distribution actually ensures that more people become a victim of the malware, which in turn increases the chances for the attacker to rack more money in the name of ransomware removal.
Different Ransomware Distribution Methods through Phishing Mails
There are two definite ways in which ransomware can be distributed through phishing campaigns.
Malicious Attachments
Ransomware operators often use malicious attachments of zip files embedded with a cryptovirological script. As users download them out of curiosity, the malware payload is delivered on the device.
Infected URLs
Some phishing emails contain infected URLs and urge users to click them through several social engineering tactics. These URLs are already infected with ransomware. Upon clicking the link, the cryptovirological infection is automatically downloaded on the device.
If you don’t want to pay heavy extortion amounts for ransomware removal, make it certain that you are not clicking any link or attachment of a mail sent by an unknown user.
