20% of Spam Emails Sent During 2016 Contained Ransomware

Ransomware, as we know it to be one of the most aggressive forms of malware in existence, has been a primary source for hackers and cybercrooks to extort money from computer users. In the recent decade, the time that ransomware has been around, ransomware has evolved to spread through spam emails at attachments primarily. In a recent report released by Kaspersky Lab, it was revealed that at the end of 2016, about 20% of spam messages sent contained some form of ransomware.

The methods for the spread of ransomware are small in numbers narrowed down to loading on PCs by visiting websites laced with malicious scripts; malicious downloads from questionable sources, and spam email attachments. Among the spreading methods for ransomware, spam email attachments lead the way for being the most popular and effective method for the spread of the aggressive malware. In knowing that spam email attachments are the most popular method for spreading ransomware, Kaspersky Lab's recent report revealing that 20% of spam email contains ransomware isn't surprising to computer security researchers. However, 20% of spam emails containing ransomware is a big shocker to computer users and those who may have been guilty of opening a questionable spam message attachment in the past.

Spam Dominates Email Traffic

The volume of spam emails in 2016 was also found to have risen to over 58% of overall email traffic, according to Kaspersky Lab's Spam and phishing in 2016 report. In being loyal to the truth, such facts revealed by Kaspersky Lab are alarming to anyone who is tuned into everyday use of the Internet. Moreover, the proliferation of spam has s direct effect on the spreading of ransomware.

Looking at the vast number of spam emails sent, among them many computer users will find clever messages that use enticing subject lines. Never before have spam emails been so enticing raising the curiosity of those who receive such messages. Hackers and cybercrooks who are inclined to spread ransomware have jumped onto the same bandwagon to spread spam messages with enticing subject matter to gain the attention of as many potential victims as possible.

New Ransomware Campaigns Thrive on Mass Spamming

Among the most popular spam messages containing ransomware in the past year were ones sent in mass spam mailings to infect computers with Locky Ransomware, which is also known as Shade, Cryakl, and Petya Ransomware. There have literally been hundreds of millions of attempts to hit the email inboxes belonging to the researchers at Kaspersky Lab as they revealed in their recent report for 2016.

The report from Kaspersky Labs is not only a stern reminder of how spam is a growing issue, but it also reminds us that ransomware is a significant threat that isn't showing any signs of slowing down. With that in mind, it is in our best interest to heed to the warnings and take the necessary precautions to thwart ransomware attacks by limiting the download or execution of spam email attachments.