Crenshaw: Ransomware Posing a Threat to Everyone, No Longer Limited to Elites
Ransomware is a form of malware that threatens to expose personal data or block access to it unless a ransom is paid. It has become a widespread issue affecting businesses, individuals, and even government systems. Personal records, financial data, and identities are being stolen and traded on the dark web. No one is immune to ransomware attacks, from individuals to large corporations. The democratization of cybercrime has made it easier for anyone with basic knowledge to create and spread malicious code. The majority of attacks come from foreign cybercriminals who operate with impunity. Existing prevention protocols have been ineffective in stopping ransomware attacks. Human error and negligence contribute to the problem, and training alone cannot eliminate all mistakes. Application allowlisting is a solution that can effectively stop ransomware attacks. By only allowing known good applications to run, allowlisting can prevent the delivery of ransomware. It offers the potential to eliminate ransomware and alleviate the constant fear of personal and public infrastructure being compromised. The question remains whether action will be taken in time to prevent a ransomware dystopia.
