Heads up!!  Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge users, be cautious when installing updates to avoid putting the Magniber malware on their computer.

You may have never heard of Magniber, but it’s a new ransomware that’s been making headlines lately. According to AhnLab Security Emergency Response Center (ASEC),  Magniber ransomware has been targetting people since 2021 by taking advantage of Internet Explorer’s security flaws. Since then, the malware has managed to make its way through to other popular browsers such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.

Here’s what you need to know about this malware.

What is Magniber Ransomware?

Magniber Ransomware is malware that encrypts files on your computer and demands a ransom for the decryption key. The ransom is usually requested in Bitcoins,  which makes it difficult to track down the cybercriminals behind the attack. Once your files have been encrypted by Magniber, you’ll receive a message asking you to make a payment in order to release the decryption key.

Magniber infects computers by exploiting vulnerabilities in old, outdated software, like Internet Explorer and Adobe Flash. However, it has evolved to infect other, more modern browsers. Magniber primarily targets Google Chrome users, but because Microsoft Edge is based on the same Chromium code, the ransomware can also impact Windows PCs’ default browser.

How does Magniber ransomware work?

The criminals behind Magniber ransomware use phishing emails as a way to infect computers with their malware. They will send out emails that look like they are from a legitimate source, such as a government agency or financial institution. These emails will usually contain an attachment or link that, when clicked, will download and install the Magniber ransomware onto your computer.

Once the file has been downloaded, it will start to encrypt your files with a strong encryption algorithm. Once the encryption process is complete, you will see the ransom demand message. The amount of money demanded will vary depending on how much data was encrypted.

How can you protect yourself from Magniber ransomware?

There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from falling victim to Magniber ransomware or any other type of malware:

• Don’t update your software manually. The simplest strategy to defend against Magniber is to avoid manually updating your browser unless you specifically downloaded it from the Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome website.
• Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. Anti-virus software can detect and remove many types of malware, including ransomware, so it’s important to make sure that yours is always up-to-date.
• Don’t click on links or attachments in unsolicited emails. If you receive an email from someone you don’t know or an organization that you’re not expecting to hear from, be extra careful before clicking on any links or opening any attachments.
• Back up your data regularly on an external hard drive or cloud storage service. That way, even if your computer is infected with ransomware, you’ll still have access to your backed-up files.
• Be cautious when downloading software from the internet. Only download software from websites that you trust. When in doubt, do some research on the website or contact the company directly to verify that it’s legitimate.
• Follow good security practices. In general, it’s always a good idea to follow good security practices like using strong passwords and refraining from sharing personal information online.

By keeping up to date with the latest threats and knowing how to protect yourself is essential to ensure that you continue to have a pleasant online experience. The best way to protect yourself is to ensure that you follow these simple steps.