Ransomware is a sort of malicious software (malware) that encrypts a victim's files or locks them out of their machine in exchange for a ransom payment. It is a type of cyber extortion that has grown in popularity in recent years. The attackers' primary purpose with ransomware is financial gain. The rise of ransomware poses a tremendous challenge to the integrity and security of our interconnected systems in an era when our reliance on digital infrastructure is unsurpassed. However, as threats evolve, so do the countermeasures. This paper delves into a cutting-edge aspect of defensive cybersecurity: the use of AI (AI) as a powerful ally in the ongoing battle against ransomware. AI is developing as a revolutionary force in defending our digital landscapes, from proactive threat detection to adaptive response mechanisms. This investigation digs into how AI technologies are used as watchful sentinels, reinforcing our defenses and rewriting the narrative in the never-ending goal of cyber resilience.
Ransomware Types
Ransomware is categorized into two primary types: crypto-ransomware and locker ransomware. Crypto-ransomware involves attackers gaining access to files, encrypting them, and withholding the decryption key. They offer the decryption key upon payment of the demanded ransom. Conversely, locker ransomware is designed to lock users out of their computer systems entirely.
Ransomware operates through a series of steps:
- Infection: Ransomware generally enters a system through malicious downloads or phishing emails, and it spreads....