Ransomware attacks are one of the issues that companies face nowadays. Because of one attack, they can lose millions and even billions of dollars. A ransomware attack happens when someone hacks into your space and puts malware in it. The malware that is in your system locks your files and asks for money in return for you to access your files again; that’s why it’s called “ransomware.” There are a lot of types of ransomware. Some of them are crypto-ransomware, locker ransomware, double extortion ransomware, and RaaS.
As people get more aware of this problem, the hackers also get sneakier. There are a lot of ways they sneak malware into your computer system. It can be through campaigns, email attachments, infected software, links, compromised websites, or infected external storage devices. To protect your business and system from this, you should first know how to prevent ransomware attacks. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Here are some of the precautions you can take for your computer.
Install an antivirus
Of course, to prevent a ransomware attack, you should prevent your device or system from getting infected with malware. Install a reliable antivirus. Set the antivirus software to check your system, especially when downloading something new regularly. Also, keep everything up to date. Updating your browser, files, software, and programs. Doing so can help prevent security breaches and issues by covering up vulnerabilities by attaining new benefits and a better version of the software or app.
Back up your data
Anyone who owns a business or has valuable data should observe this. Backing up your data gives you another copy of your data. If you back up your data, even if you get a ransomware attack, you still have a copy of the data you need. This is why regularly updating, especially the important files you have is very important. You can do this by using an external storage device or a cloud system.
Be careful in opening things
Since ransomware attacks happen when hackers gain access to your system, you should be cautious in what you click. Hackers gain access through spam emails, links, infected programs, and the like, so if you see something odd, suspicious, or something too promising, do not click it. You would not want to risk your valuable files and security for something you’re not even sure of. Know the worth of your files, you could lose millions just because of one wrong move.
Agencies like the National Crime Agency encourage businesses not to pay the ransom and just report it to the authorities instead. Paying the ransom does not guarantee that your files will be returned to you. The hackers can keep a hold of your files and ask for more once they see that you are willing to pay. Paying the hackers will only make cybercrime sustainable because the hackers will continue to gain profit. So here are the things you should do if your computer gets attacked by ransomware.
Do not let the infection spread
There are different kinds and intensities of ransomware, so you do not have enough time. If you suspect or see that your device is infected, immediately isolate it. Disable Bluetooth and wifi, and disconnect everything like LAN, flash drives, HDDs, and other storage devices.
Determine the infection
After isolating the infected device, assess the situation and the ransomware. Try to ask your IT team if they know what type of ransomware it is.
Report the incident to the police
This incident is a cybercrime, do not be afraid to get the authorities involved. Always report ransomware attacks to the police. Doing so will help the police get more information and clues in their investigation. And your report may contain the last information they need to catch the hackers. You are not the only one who will benefit from this.
