Ransomware is gaining notoriety among cyber threats. Once a ransomware Trojan infiltrates a system, it silently encrypts your files, including your valuable documents, videos and photos. The process takes place in the background so that the victim is not aware of what is happening until it is too late.
When the damage is done, the Trojan informs the user that their files have been encrypted. Thus, if the victim wants to get them back, they will have to pay the ransom, which tends to be an exorbitant amount, usually in bitcoins.
Eventually, most victims don’t have a lot of technical knowledge and experience so the inconvenience is greater as they also have to figure out what bitcoins are and where to get them.
In certain cases, insurance can take care of the agreed ransom payment, although this is a sensible move that may be illegal.
Attackers install software to shut down business systems or take businesses offline. Ransom must be paid before ‘ransomware’ is removed or disabled.
Ransomware took the world by storm as cybercriminals block corporate computers and require payment of the organization before they can give up access.
In addition, a cybersecurity insurance policy can cover the costs of resolving the incident, including hiring outside technical experts and negotiating redemption. Check how cybersecurity in 2019 and its causes.
What makes ransomware a particularly troublesome scheme is that encrypted files are still stored on the user’s computer.
What to do when targeted with ramsonware? Here are 10 simple tips for protecting your data.
Tip # 1 to protect yourself from ransomware
Be sure to make regular backups of your important files.
It is strongly recommended that you create two backup copies, one in the cloud and one written to physical media.
Once your backup is done, be sure to check the restrictions for the files. Your “Plan B” device should have written or read permissions only, without the opportunity to modify or delete files.
Your backup can save you in a variety of circumstances, including accidental removal of critical files or drive failures.
TIP # 2 Be Wary of Weird Links
Cybercriminals distribute fake emails impersonating online stores or banks, enticing a user to click a malicious link to distribute malware.
Such a method is called phishing. With that in mind, improve your spam settings and never open an attachment sent by a stranger.
TIP # 3 Ransomware Prevention Measure
In fact, trust no one. Malicious links may be sent by your friends on social media, by colleagues or game partners who have been infected in one way or another.
TIP # 4 Avoiding a Ransomware
Enable options like “Show File Extension” in Windows Settings. Such an act will make it much easier to distinguish potentially malicious files. Because Trojans are programs, you should keep an eye on files with extensions like <<EXE>>, <<vbs>>, and <<SCR>>.
TIP # 5 How not to be ransomware
You need to be aware that many types of familiar files can be dangerous. Cybercriminals can use multiple extensions to mask files like videos, photos, or a document.
TIP # 6 Protecting Yourself FromRansomware by Operating System
Regularly update your operating system, browser, and other programs. Criminals tend to exploit software vulnerabilities to compromise systems.
TIP # 7 on How to Avoid Anti-Virus Ransomware
Use a robust antivirus program that can protect your system from ransomware.
TIP # 8 and How to Stop a Ransomware Process
If you discover a clandestine or unknown process on your machine, stop your internet connection immediately. If ransomware was unable to erase the encryption key from your computer, there is still a chance that you can restore the files.
TIP # 9 Don’t Make Payments to Solve the Problem
If you are unlucky to have your files encrypted, don’t pay the ransom unless instant access to some of your files is critical. In fact, every payment fuels this illegal business that will thrive when more people are caught in this scam.
TIP # 10 Try to identify malware
If your devices become infected with ransomware, you should try to find out the name of the malware. Given this, it may be an older version and it is relatively simple to restore your files. Ransomware was less advanced in the past.
In addition, police and cybersecurity experts collaborate to deter cybercriminals and provide online file restoration tools.
Data Backup – Your Information Protected!
