Everyone Hates Ransomware Attacks and we should learn their strategy. Ransomware is a type of malware that is installed onto computers through malicious emails. The ransomware encrypts the computers data and then requires the victims to purchase a decryption key. Once the data is encrypted the hackers will demand a ransom, which can set you back a few hundred dollars to a few thousand which are payable in Bitcoin.
There are a number of attack vectors through which ransomware can gain unauthorized access into computer systems. One of the most common ways used to access computers is via phishing emails and email attachments. Hackers make these emails look really legitimate and trick the users to open them. Once these emails are opened and attachments are downloaded, the attackers take over the victims’ computers.
Hackers can also access your network through Remote Desktop (RDP) that are open directly to the public. They can phish you or find your credentials online and log into the network. using your credentials and push ransomware using a script.
Five Actions To Prevent Ransomware Attacks
By following these essential preventive measures you can protect yourself from ransomware attacks. All you need to do is to be careful about what your clicking on your computer. Here are a few steps cyber security best steps to follow to stay protected.
- Avoid clicking random links: Never click on suspicious or random links, attached in unsolicited emails.
- Backup Your Data: Create a separate data backup in an external hard drive that is not connected to your computer, so that you don’t have to pay the ransom if a ransomware attack happens.
- Cloud Backup: Create cloud backup just in case any local backups succumb to hardware failure.
- Don’t disclose your personal information: Never disclose your personal information to people from a random call, text, or email asking you for personal details like banking information or any account information. Always verify the incoming source of those contacts as hackers steal personal data first to misuse it for malicious campaigns or financial frauds.
- Use spam filtering software: It is advisable to use spam filtering software on your mail server to prevent a ransomware attack. The software should help in reducing the likelihood of a malicious email from reaching your inbox.
- New Age Antivirus Software: Find a vendor the provides a total endpoint solution that can stop a ransomware execution.
- Security awareness training for employees: Your company should always want to secure confidential data from all types of cyber attacks. Therefore, it is important to conduct a cyber security awareness program. This will allow employees to grain detailed knowledge of attack vectors and how to reduce the chances of ransomware attacks.