Cybercriminals are employing more sophisticated technology to hack systems and retrieve data. Also, these criminals are delivering ransomware in creative ways worth knowing to prevent falling victim. Some of these ransomware delivery methods include:

Exploit kits are high-end toolkits that exploit security vulnerabilities. An exploit kit is often executed when an unsuspecting victim visits a compromised website. Then, malicious code embedded somewhere on the website, like an advertisement, secretly redirects you to the exploit kit’s landing page. If your system is vulnerable, it will become infected after a drive-by download of a malicious payload is executed. Then, the attackers can access your critical files and hang on to them for ransom.

IT when they employ this ransomware delivery method. Then, the attackers attach a malicious file like a .JS file, Word Document, or portable executable (PE) file. Unsuspecting victims usually open the attachments, assuming the email originates from a trusted source. However, the ransomware payload is unintentionally downloaded, and the system is infected, granting the attackers access to your files which will be held for ransom.

Malicious email links are URLs embedded in the body of emails, much like malicious email attachments. Similarly, these emails seem to come from someone or an organization you believe is a trusted source. However, these URLs download links to malicious files all over the web, and your system will be infected once you click them.

More info: Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)