What is Maze Ransomware, that hit Cognizant?

Maze ransomware is in the news as this ransomware has hit IT major Cognizant recently. In this post, we shall discuss some important points about Maze Ransomware.

What is Ransomeware?

Ransomware is a malware that locks the user out of their device and in return demands an anonymous online payment to restore access to the device.
It is a type of online Ransome. The objective of this malware is to sell the data on DarkWeb if the organization or individual (that is attacked) refuses to pay the ransom amount.

Ransomeware attack amid COVID-19

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the majority of people are working from home. Working from office and working from home makes a difference in terms of security of the computer/device that is used for the work. Office workplace provides better security and firewall that can prevent malware attacks. In comparison, firewall security and internet connections at home are more vulnerable to malware attacks than that in offices.

Online hackers have taken advantage of this factor and this Maze ransomware has come into the picture.

What is Maze Ransomeware?

The Maze ransomware was discovered on May the 29th 2019 by Jerome Segura. It is also known as “ChaCha ransomware”.
The Maze Ransomeware first encrypts the files on the system that it infects and then demands a ransom to recover these infected files.
The malware owner threatens the owner of the victim device, if they do not pay, they will release the information on the Internet.
The malware is a binary file of 32 bits, usually packed as an EXE or a DLL file. This report focuses on the EXE file.

Maze Ransomeware in 2020

Before hitting Cognizant in April 2020, Maze was in news in March 2020 for attacking a cybersecurity insurance company named Chubb.

What should organisations do to protect themselves from Ransomware

Keep a proper backup of all the data
Improve the security and firewall system
Individuals should install original antivirus softwares.