As we usher in the world of technological advancement, the number of cyber-attacks is also rising. From individuals to business organisations, no one is safe.
Ransomware, malware, and phishing are just some of the attacks that cyber attackers use to steal, violate, and compromise our data.
To keep ourselves safe from such technological attacks. We must know some basic facts about ransomware, malware, and phishing to fully understand what we might have to deal with should such cyber threats arise.
So, without further ado, let’s learn more in our guide to Ransomware vs. malware vs. phishing. What is the Difference?
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts data and limits the user's access to it. The attacker then uses ransom techniques in exchange for the key to access the compromised data.
Whether you use personal broadband internet or public wifi, hackers will try to find an inconsistency in the connection and breach/override the whole system. They will then lock the access and ask for money/cryptocurrencies anonymously.
Pay them, and they will not leak your data.
What is Malware?
Malware is an umbrella term that can indicate a breach of a computer system caused by malicious software that is automatically installed.
If you use broadband internet like the rest of us, you will know that trojan viruses, adware, and bugs are some of the most common cyber attacks. And guess how they reach our devices? With malware, of course.
Hackers utilise various malware to steal identities, financial deliverance, and data leaks.
What is Phishing?
Phishing sounds a lot like Fishing, doesn't it? It’s because it is. It uses human psychology to fish out information that can be used against the victims.
It is a unique form of social engineering technique that criminals use to gain control over victims' sensitive information. For example: Ransome over bank account. This is done by asking the victim to click a link and provide personal information.
The cybercriminals will hide as a legitimate website to lure prey in and steal their data. Unfortunately, it takes a skilled computer/internet user to properly distinguish between a trojan site and a real one.
Differences Between Ransomware, Malware, and Phishing
Okay, now that we have established what each term stands for, here are the proper differences between Ransomware, Malware, and Phishing.
As stated before, malware is an umbrella term, which means cyber ransom attackers create ransomware using some type of locker ransom malware or crypto ransom malware. They can freeze the whole computer or lock a file to stop access.
The attackers, however, will let the victim interact via a pop-up window or mobile phone.
Phishing, on the other hand, will not use any malware, instead creates a fake website or asks the user to download an app to gain access to their files. It’s almost like a vessel.
From here, the perpetrators can auto-install ransomware and steal valuable information. Most people fall victim to compromising their data by downloading the attachments provided by cyber attackers.
Keep Your Data Safe
Now it goes without saying that an attack by any of these types of viruses negatively impacts individuals and businesses and is devastating.
While malware and phishing can be quickly dealt with with proper precaution and common sense, Ransomware is a serious threat to all individuals, especially organisations with valuable data.
Here are some tips to keep yourself and your data safe from cyber attacks:
- Do not click on any suspicious links provided to you by email, inbox, or chat links.
- It’s best to keep away from shady websites that advertise too good to be true products.
- Keep your broadband internet line in check and install paid third-party anti-virus software to keep unwanted cyber attacks off the yard. Make sure you take an internet connection from reputed providers such as AmberIT to minimise threats in the future.
- Have an adequate protocol for a secure browsing experience and avoid inserting computer virus-infected external drives.
- Never give your personal information to anyone you don’t know.
In Conclusion
So there you have it, Hope you found today’s article on “Ransomware vs. malware vs. phishing. What is the Difference?” useful.
The threats are ever-evolving and will only get worse as technological advancements grow in complexity. They will be harder to get rid of. So, to reduce the impact of such issues, your best bet is to have secured backups of all data.
