Other options, of course, are to restore files from backup or to try to crack the encryption. Many companies find themselves with no choice but to pay the ransom, which ironically contributes to the insidious success of the ransomware “industry.” The conversation between the E-Corp CEO, CTO and Counsel that follows is painfully realistic. The executives discuss what to do about their CryptoWall problem We’re not so sure about the ransom, though.Ĭryptowall and other real-world ransomware typically asks for around $300-$600 (0.5 to 1 bitcoins), even when big corporations are its victim, simply because that seems to be the price point that works.Īny more, it seems, and our willingness to engage with the crooks begins to evaporate. The higher-ups then have to make the decision: pay up to get access to their files or try to decrypt the files themselves.Īs readers of Naked Security know, CryptoWall is a genuine threat. The message on the screen shows that all of the company’s computers are locked out unless a $5.9 million ransom is paid in the next 24 hours.
In the next scene we see E-Corp and all its network computers held hostage by ransomware. WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD – SCROLL DOWN TO READ ON Ransomware takes center stageĪbout halfway through the episode, we see Elliot’s sister, Darlene, deploying Cryptowall.exe via the Social-Engineer Toolkit (a real hacker tool written by noted cybersecurity expert and Derb圜on founder Dave Kennedy).