Ransomware varieties

According to PCWorld as of 04 April 2017, there are 3 varieties ransomware.

1. scareware
2. lock-screen viruses
3. the really nasty stuff

Scareware

 

An example of a fake antivirus app. 

The simplest type of ransomware, aka scareware, consists of bogus antivirus or clean-up tools that claim they’ve detected umpteen issues, and demand that you pay in order to fix them. Some specimens of this variety of ransomware may allow you to use your PC but bombard you with alerts and pop-ups, while others might prevent you from running any programs at all. Typically these invaders are the easiest type of ransomware to remove.

Lock-screen viruses

 

The Kovter ransomware locks down your computer, displaying a fake notice claiming to be from several government authorities.

Next is the ransomware variety I call lock-screen viruses, which don’t allow you to use your PC in any way. They display a full-size window after Windows starts up—usually with an FBI or Department of Justice logo—saying that you violated the law and that you must pay a fine.

The really nasty stuff

A ransomware program called Locky has quickly become one of the most common types of malware seen in spam.

Encrypting malware—such as Locky—is the worst variant, because it encrypts and locks your personal files until you pay up. But even if you haven’t backed up your files, you may have a chance to recover your data.

Source: PCWorld