Do Not Pay for Ransomware: Here is How to Prevent it

Ransomeware, a highly discussed topic on the internet these days. What is it? Wait, I ll explain. Ransomeware is the biggest cyber threat these days. It is a software that encrypts the entire data of your system and in return, demands for ransom payments in cryptocurrency bitcoin. Launched just few days back, it has attacked innumerable systems all over the world. This can be downloaded using coincidental users who visit any malicious websites. It can also land into your system as a payload which can either be downloaded or dropped by the malware. They are also available as an attachment to the spammed emails.

How You Will Get To Know If You Are Victim?

The cyber criminals have created this in a very smart way. You won’t be aware about the attack by ransomware on your system until and unless it is too late as the entire process runs in the background. First, the ransomware will show a full screen notification or image showing some information about how to pay the ransom in order to decrypt your data. This notification will prevent your from using your system.

In the second type of ransomware, all the files will be encrypted including processing documents, spreadsheets, and many other and you will come to know when you reach out to the same folder.

How to Prevent This Attack to Your System?

Make Sure that You Have Accurate Backups

Backups are the biggest saviour against ransomware or any kind of cyber attack. You must take backup of your system which will prove to be a critical step against Ransomware. Along with regular backups, also have the habit to test whether you are able to restore your files. Here, I will explain you three different ways of backup for prevention of ransomware:

• You can take backup and save to a cloud service like Code42, Deego, Amazon, Carbonite and many more cloud services are available out there.

• Another type of backup is the one that is done into another system of your own organization where the backup computer would be able to read all the files from every computer but no other computer can access the backup computer files. When using this, make sure that no other external device is used in the computer having all the backups to prevent it from any other virus or infection.

• And third is the most traditional way, you can backup in an external USB drive and save it there to avoid any kind of malware to your computer.

Backup is the necessity. But there are some other preventions as well, check em out!

Updated Anti Virus are the Saviour

One of the most important prevention against this malware is the anti virus. Gone are the days when having an Antivirus  installed was all you need to do. In this continuously growing insecure cyber world, updating your antivirus on a regular basis is must. If you have the updated antivirus, you may be saved from the cyber attack of the ransomware.

Firewall Will Help You as Well

Firewall along with gateway antivirus will help you prevent the access to the malware websites. This will help you to protect users under the network. Firewall is a very helpful malware protector against the ransomware.

Protecting the Data at Central Server

While sharing any file or document, keep in mind that you should not share anything with anybody who has unprotected servers. Mostly, you should not allow anybody to use your system to avoid the click to the malware link by mistake.

Make Sure that You Have Accurate Backups

Backups are one of the most important things for prevention against ransomware or any kind of cyber attack. You must take backup of your system which will prove to be a critical step against Ransomware. Along with regular backups, also have the habit to test whether you are able to restore your files.

Never Download Email Attachments

You may have surely received the ransomware emails in your spam folder. Do not ever download the attachments in the mail as this can also make you a victim of the cyber attack.
Follow these and save your system and your valuable data from getting encrypted.

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Harshal Shah

May 15, 2017