Daily Current Affairs : 1-August-2023

In recent times, the Computer Emergency Response Team of India issued a critical alert regarding the emergence of a new and dangerous form of ransomware named “Akira.” This malicious software has been causing significant harm to individuals and organizations worldwide. This essay explores the characteristics of Akira ransomware, its mode of operation, and the broader concept of ransomware in cybersecurity.

Understanding Akira Ransomware

Akira ransomware is a sophisticated form of malware that aims to extort money from its victims through malicious means. It employs various techniques to achieve its nefarious goals:

  1. Data Encryption and Ransom Note Creation: The primary objective of Akira ransomware is to encrypt valuable data on infected devices, rendering it inaccessible to the victims. Upon successful encryption, it creates a ransom note that serves as a warning to the victim, demanding payment to restore access to the encrypted files.
  2. Deletion of Windows Shadow Volume Copies: To make data recovery even more challenging, Akira ransomware is designed to delete Windows Shadow Volume copies. These copies could potentially be used to restore files without paying the ransom, but the ransomware’s deletion tactic eliminates this option.
  3. File Name Modification: The name “Akira” itself derives from the ransomware’s behavior of altering filenames. It appends the “.akira” extension to all encrypted files, making them easily recognizable and distinguishing them from their original forms.
  4. Disabling Processes and Services: Akira ransomware takes aggressive measures to ensure that it can efficiently carry out its data encryption process. It may terminate specific processes or shut down Windows services that could hinder its progress, giving it full control over the compromised system.
  5. Extortion and Dark Web Threats: Once the victim’s data is held hostage, the attackers behind Akira ransomware extort their targets by demanding a ransom payment. To add weight to their threats, they may threaten to release the sensitive data on the dark web, exposing victims to potential privacy breaches and reputational damage.
Understanding Ransomware

Ransomware is a form of malicious software that employs extortion tactics to demand payment from victims. Here are some key points about ransomware:

  • Mode of Distribution: Ransomware typically spreads through spear phishing emails. Attackers craft emails that appear legitimate, containing malicious attachments like zip/rar files. When users unwittingly download and open these attachments, the ransomware infiltrates their systems.
  • Alternative Infection Methods: Besides spear phishing, ransomware can be disseminated through drive-by-downloads, a type of cyber-attack where malicious code is unintentionally downloaded onto a device without the user’s knowledge. Specially crafted web links in emails are also a means for malware delivery.
  • Data Hostage and Ransom Demands: Once ransomware infects a system, it takes control of the victim’s data through encryption. It then displays a ransom note demanding payment in cryptocurrency in exchange for a decryption key. Failure to comply with the demands often leads to permanent data loss or public exposure of sensitive information.
Protecting Against Ransomware

To safeguard against the increasing threat of ransomware like Akira, individuals and organizations can adopt the following measures:

  • Regular Data Backups: Frequent backups of critical data on secure external drives or cloud storage can mitigate the impact of ransomware attacks.
  • Email Vigilance: Exercise caution when opening email attachments or clicking on links, especially if the source is unfamiliar.
  • Updated Security Software: Ensure that antivirus and anti-malware software are up-to-date to identify and neutralize potential threats.
  • System Updates: Regularly update operating systems and software to fix known vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.
  • Security Training: Educate employees and individuals about cybersecurity best practices, including recognizing phishing attempts and suspicious online behavior.

Important Points:

About Akira Ransomware:

  • Designed to encrypt data, create a ransomware note, and delete Windows Shadow Volume copies on affected devices.
  • Appends the “.akira” extension to encrypted files, modifying filenames for easy recognition.
  • Closes processes or Windows services that may interfere with file encryption.
  • Extorts victims into paying a ransom, threatening to release stolen data on the dark web.

Understanding Ransomware:

  • Ransomware is malware that demands payment to release personal data or unlock access to it.
  • Commonly spread through spear phishing emails with malicious attachments (zip/rar files).
  • May also use drive-by-downloads and malicious web links in emails for infection.

Protecting Against Ransomware:

  • Regular data backups on secure external drives or cloud storage.
  • Exercise caution with email attachments and links, especially from unfamiliar sources.
  • Keep antivirus and anti-malware software up-to-date.
  • Regularly update operating systems and software to patch vulnerabilities.
  • Provide security training to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious online behavior.
Why In News

Recently, the Computer Emergency Response Team of India issued an alert for the highly virulent ransomware named “Akira,” which has been spreading rapidly across various sectors and posing a significant threat to critical infrastructure. This alert comes as a warning to individuals and organizations to enhance their cybersecurity measures and stay vigilant against potential attacks.

MCQs about The Rise of Akira Ransomware

  1. What is the primary objective of the Akira ransomware?
    A. Stealing sensitive data from victims.
    B. Encrypting data on infected devices.
    C. Deleting Windows Shadow Volume copies.
    D. Spreading through spear phishing emails.
    Correct Answer: B. Encrypting data on infected devices.
    Explanation: The Akira ransomware is designed to encrypt valuable data on affected devices, making it inaccessible to the victims until a ransom is paid.
  2. How does Akira ransomware modify filenames of encrypted files?
    A. It appends them with the “.encrypt” extension.
    B. It appends them with the “.locked” extension.
    C. It appends them with the “.akira” extension.
    D. It overwrites the original filenames with random characters.
    Correct Answer: C. It appends them with the “.akira” extension.
    Explanation: The ransomware gets its name from this behavior, as it modifies filenames by adding the “.akira” extension to all encrypted files.
  3. What is the most common method of spreading ransomware, including Akira?
    A. Sending malicious links in emails.
    B. Using infected USB drives.
    C. Distributing fake software updates.
    D. Sending spear phishing emails with malicious attachments.
    Correct Answer: D. Sending spear phishing emails with malicious attachments.
    Explanation: Ransomware like Akira is often distributed through spear phishing emails that contain malicious attachments (e.g., zip/rar files) to trick users into downloading and executing the malware.

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