How You Can Protect Yourself From Ransomware

Introduction

Ransomware is malware that infects your computer and files. The attacker who used this malicious software then demands money from you for letting your computer work. It, however, varies in its form. It encrypts files or locks the computer screen. This lock, however, is hard-to-crack and can only be removed by the attacker when he is paid. Sometimes the computer displays messages notifying the virus attack or the computer may collapse completely. This class of malware that allows an attacker to access unauthorized data is a criminal money-making scheme, reported frequently these days. Current examples of ransomware include the RobbinHood attack at Mayland in 2019, GandCrab in July 2019, where $2 billion was claimed in victim payouts. Likewise, Thanos is the newest ransomware, discovered in January 2020. 

History Of Ransomware

The first case of ransomware was reported in 2005 in Russia. Since then, the scam has spread throughout the globe. In September 2013, CryptoLocker surfaced and targeted all versions of Windows! It infected thousands of private and office place computers. The United States Computer Emergency Response Team warned that the malware could jump from one machine to another machine. Thereby, infected users were instructed to disconnect the network connection. Later on, the Kaspersky security experts unlocked the computers. Indeed, It is essential for private computer users and businesses to backup their computers and data regularly. 

Who Is A Target For Ransomware?

There are several factors that an attacker considered while choosing an organization. It could be a matter of opportunity or a matter of security. Universities can be the most likely victim of a cyberattacker as their security system is easy to breach. They have small security teams and a disparate user base, thereby, making it easy for the attacker to penetrate their defense.

The other tempting victim could be an organization as their chances of paying money are more. For instance, government agencies and medical institutions have data more worthy of paying the ransom. Additionally, Law related firms and organizations with sensitive databases may be willing to pay to keep their data secret. 

Ways To Prevent Ransomware

After the introduction of this virus in 2005, several measures were taken to prevent ransomware. These steps can help defend against all sorts of viruses. These steps include:

• Keep your up-to-date and patched operating system, thus, preventing it from vulnerabilities.
• Don’t install unknown software. Avoid giving administrative privileges without proper knowledge of its source.
• Installing antivirus software can help detect malicious files and programs. Moreover, whitelisting software also defends the virus by stopping suspicious applications from installing into your computers.
• Automated back-ups are also one important step in preventing ransomware.

These steps, however, do not completely defend your system from malware but can lessen the damage caused by it.

 Removal Of Ransomware

Malware protection can be done with the help of ransomware removal and investigation teams. Contacting experts in Cyber Breach Response, Cyber Breach investigations and Digital Forensics can remove this malware without any damage to your data. Contacting the ransomware removal team will help you in the following ways:

•  by reducing the number of ransomware attacks through expert negotiation.
•  by total decryption of systems without paying any money to the attacker.
• by detecting on-going attacks during ransomware negotiations.
•  by managing and finding a way out of the whole ransomware attack, using their knowledge, expertise, and influence.

 

Indeed, proactive measures for preventing your organization’s customer data and payment system should be taken timely. In a nutshell, focusing on data security with the help of an international cybersecurity boutique through their pragmatic suite of security specialties is vital.