What is Ransomware? Almost 300 Indian banks down after cyberattack

Produced by: Pranav Dixit

Banks hit by cyberattack

Nearly 300 small Indian banks were affected, the overall impact on India's payment systems was minimal, estimated to be less than 0.5% of total transaction volume.

Containment Measures

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) swiftly isolated the affected banks from the broader payment network to prevent the attack from spreading further.

Malicious Software

Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that infects computers and other devices.

Data Kidnapping

It essentially holds your data hostage by encrypting your files, making them inaccessible.

The Ransom Note

Cybercriminals leave a ransom note demanding payment, usually in cryptocurrency, in exchange for a decryption key.

High Stakes

Ransomware attacks can cripple businesses, disrupt critical infrastructure, and lead to significant financial losses.

Spreading Methods

Ransomware commonly spreads through phishing emails with malicious attachments, infected websites, or software vulnerabilities.

Prevention is Key

Strong passwords, regular software updates, and cautious online behaviour are crucial for reducing the risk of infection.

Don't Pay Up

Paying the ransom doesn't guarantee file recovery and often encourages further criminal activity.

Seek Expert Help

If you're a victim of ransomware, contact cybersecurity professionals for assistance with data recovery and incident response.