Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, designed to block access to a computer system or mobile device until a ransom is paid. The attackers download malicious software onto a device and then use it to encrypt the victim’s information. Such attacks are most often waged against businesses, but can also affect individuals.
One of the fastest growing cybercriminal activities on the internet, ransomware’s purpose is to extort money from their victims with promises to restore the hijacked data.
Once ransomware gets on your computer it encrypts your personal files, documents, photos, and financial information. Those files are still on your computer, dangling in front of you, but they are encrypted now, useless to you. You will need to pay the ransom in order to get them unencrypted.
Ways to Protect Yourself Against a Ransomware Attack:
Back up your files
The best protection against ransomware is to back up all of the information and files on your devices to a completely separate system. A good place to do this is on an external hard drive that isn’t connected to the internet. This means that if you suffer an attack, you won’t lose any information to the hackers.
Use an antivirus program
Antivirus programs can stop ransomware from being downloaded onto computers and can find it when it is.
Most antivirus programs can scan files to see if they might contain ransomware before downloading them. They can block secret installations from malicious advertisements when you’re browsing the web, and look for malware that may already be on a computer or device.
Configure and maintain an endpoint security solution to stay protected against any ransomware strain. It is always a good idea to have both anti-malware software and a software firewall to help you identify threats or suspicious behavior.
Keep your operating system and other software updated
The bad guys know about your system’s vulnerabilities before you do and will use them to get on your machine. Companies often release software updates to fix vulnerabilities that can be exploited to install ransomware. It is therefore advisable to always download the newest version of software as soon as it is available.
Enable pop-up blockers on all browsers
Popups are regularly used by criminals to spread malicious software. To avoid accidental clicks on or within pop-ups, it’s best to prevent them from appearing in the first place.
Be suspicious of emails, websites, and applications
For ransomware to work, hackers need to download malicious software onto a victim’s computer. This is then used to launch the attack and encrypt files.
The most common ways for the software to be installed on a victim’s device is through phishing emails, malicious advertisements on websites, and questionable applications and programs.
Be especially wary of any Microsoft Office email attachment that advises you to enable macros to view its content.
Always exercise caution when opening unsolicited emails or visiting websites. Never download an application that hasn’t been verified by an official store, and read reviews before installing programs.
If your PC does come under attack, use another computer to research details about the type of attack. But be aware that the bad guys are devious enough to create fake sites, perhaps touting their own fake antivirus software or their de-encryption program.
Never pay the ransom
Victims of ransomware attacks are advised to never pay the fee, as it encourages attackers and may not result in files being recovered. Paying the ransom may seem like the easiest approach, yet it is just reassuring and funding the cyber criminals.
Resource Links:
https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/mmpc/2016/05/18/the-5ws-and-1h-of-ransomware/
https://blogs.systweak.com/2017/05/dos-and-donts-when-dealing-with-ransomware/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/0/protect-ransomware/
http://abcnews.go.com/US/simple-things-protect-ransomware-attacks/story?id=47410339