1. Malware Delivery
Cryptolocker malware is mostly being delivered via email attachment
2. File Encryption
Once downloaded, the malware scans all files and encrypts them
3. Ransom Alert
When the encryption is complete, you will be prompted a deadline alert to pay a fee
4. Payment
To decrypt and regain access to your files, you’re required to pay in Cryptocurrency
The encryption technology used by Cryptolocker is almost impossible to break even with brute force attacks unless paying the ransom. But you have to keep in mind that paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee the criminal will indeed send a decryption key.
When the time runs out, the Cryptolocker deletes itself from your system, but your business is left with encrypted documents forever, and there’s nothing you can do to retrieve them.
