{"id":161057,"date":"2022-10-24T17:38:53","date_gmt":"2022-10-25T00:38:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/?p=161057"},"modified":"2024-01-21T23:43:51","modified_gmt":"2024-01-22T07:43:51","slug":"ransomware-masquerading-as-microsoft-update-targets-home-computers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/internet-security\/ransomware-masquerading-as-microsoft-update-targets-home-computers\/","title":{"rendered":"Ransomware Masquerading as Microsoft Update Targets Home Computers"},"content":{"rendered":"

A new ransomware threat is currently sweeping its way across home computers. And what\u2019s making it extra tricky is that it\u2019s disguised as an operating system update.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Be on the lookout for this new ransomware scheme and <\/span>protect yourself from ransomware<\/span><\/a> with a few of these\u00a0tips.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is Magniber Ransomware?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Magniber\u00a0is a new type of ransomware that is disguised at almost every touchpoint until it seemingly pops out of nowhere demanding money. The attack begins when someone visits a fake Windows 10 update website\u00a0owned by the Magniber cybercriminal group. Once someone clicks on a malicious link on that site, file-encrypting malware downloads onto the device.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another stealth maneuver of Magniber is that the encryption malware downloads as a JavaScript file straight to the memory of the device, which can often slide under an antivirus\u2019 radar. This malware allows the criminal to view, delete, and encrypt files and gain administrator access of the device. Usually, before the person even knows their device is in danger, Magniber reveals itself and demands a ransom payment in exchange for releasing the documents and giving back control of the computer. If the device owner\u00a0refuses to pay, the criminal threatens to delete the files forever.<\/span>1<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Personal Ransomware May Be on the Rise<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

For the last several years, large companies fell left and right to breaches. Hacker groups infiltrated complex cybersecurity defenses, got ahold of sensitive company or customer information, and threatened to release their findings on the dark web if not paid a hefty ransom. The reasons cybercriminals targeted corporate databases versus personal devices wasn\u2019t just because they could demand multiple millions, but because companies were better equipped to make ransom transactions anonymously. Often, cryptocurrency transactions are untraceable, which allows criminals to remain at large.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now that more everyday people are proficient in cryptocurrency, ransomware may shift to targeting personal devices. Though the ransom payments won\u2019t be as lucrative, there also won\u2019t be corporate cybersecurity experts hot on the cybercriminal\u2019s tail.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Keep Your Device Safe<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

To avoid ransomware schemes similar to Magniber, adopt these three habits to better protect your device and digital privacy:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n