The ransomware encrypts document files, images, and other personal or work data, and will hold them hostage until the ransom is paid.
The SamSam ransomware has reportedly collected over US$5.9mil (RM23.9mil) in payout so far, says security software firm Sophos.
First reported in late 2015, the ransomware is known for targeting medium to large public sector organisations in healthcare, education and government. However, the recent study states that this only makes up 50% of the total number of identified victims, and the rest, it claims, comprises "a private sector that has remained uncharacteristically quiet about the attacks".
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