Tips To Help Protect Your Devices Against Ransomware Attacks

 

Tips To Help Protect Your Devices Against Ransomware Attacks

        What is Ransome attack?

  Ransomware is malicious software that infects your computer and displays messages demanding a fee to be paid in order for your system to work again. This class of malware is a criminal moneymaking scheme that can be installed through deceptive links in an email message, instant message or website. It has the ability to lock a computer screen or encrypt important, predetermined files with a password.

Examples of Ransomware

Scareware is the simplest type of ransomware. It uses scare tactics or intimidation to trick victims into paying up. It can come in the form of fake antivirus software in which a message suddenly appears claiming your computer has various issues and an online payment is necessary to fix them!

Prevention and Removal

The following tips should be followed to protect your computer against Ransomeware attacks

1. Install and use trusted security software on all your devices, including your mobile phone.

2. Keep your security software up to date. It can help protect your devices against cyberattacks.

3. Update your operating system and other software. This can patch security vulnerabilities.

4. Avoid reflexively opening email attachments. Why? Email is one of the principal methods for delivering ransomware. 

5. Be wary of any email attachment that advises you to enable macros to view its content. If you enable macros, macro malware can infect multiple files.

6. Back up your data to an external hard drive. If you’re the victim of a ransomware attack, you’ll likely be able to restore your files once the malware has been cleaned up.

7. Consider utilizing cloud services. This can help mitigate a ransomware infection, since many cloud services retain previous versions of files, allowing you to “roll back” to the unencrypted form.

8. Don’t pay the ransom. You could pay a ransom in hopes of getting your files back — but you might not get them back. There’s no guarantee the cybercriminal will release your data.

9. Encryption is essential to help protect your sensitive personal information. But in the case of ransomware attacks, it can be used against you. It’s smart to take steps to help you gain the benefits and avoid the harm.