Ransomware Is On the Rise: How to Prevent Attacks

 

 

 

Here’s something you might not realize. Ransomware isn’t all the new or advanced. It’s actually been around since the earliest days of the internet. In the last few years, however, cybercriminals have increasingly utilized it to target people worldwide. 

 

Ransomware refers to a particular kind of malware that locks people out of their files until they pay a fee or “ransom.” Generally, hackers use a form of encryption that is virtually unbreakable unless you have the key. 

 

Nowadays, you most often hear about major attacks on local governments, academic institutions, and hospitals. 

 

That’s because these facilities all control highly valuable data but may not have the same security resources as national governments or large corporations. For example, hackers targeted the city of Baltimore last year. They ended up extorting over $6 million from the city! 

 

Likewise, fraudsters can and do directly target individual internet users. During the Jigsaw attack, hackers created fake Dropbox links. Once the victim downloaded the file, the ransomware launched on their computer. If they didn’t pay within a set time, Jigsaw began randomly deleting files until everything was gone. 

 

The worst part was that even if people did pay to stop Jigsaw, that did not guarantee the malware would stop deleting files! 

 

 

Fortunately, you don’t have to sit and wait to become a victim. There is plenty you can do now to greatly reduce your chance of being attacked and minimize the damage should one occur. 

 

To start, you need a VPN. A VPN or virtual private network both hides your IP address and encrypts your internet connection. The result is much higher levels of privacy and security in the online world. It allows you to much more easily blend into the masses of internet users. And should a hacker directly target you, you’ll be much harder to attack. 

 

 

Next, you need to start practicing “safe clicking.” Ransomware and other malware are frequently disguised in innocuous-looking files. Before you click on any link or file, you should confirm it’s real and safe. You can easily do this by scanning all files and links before you click on them. 

 

There are tons of great tools out there capaable of giving  you a recommendation about whether websites are safe to visit before you go there. 

 

In addition, use file encryption services to fight fire with fire. Since hackers use encryption to lock you out of files, you can actually use it so they can’t access your files. File encryption is easy to use, as well. Just drag-and-drop the files you want to protect and set a passcode. 

 

Finally, round out your protection by having secure backups both in the cloud and on local storage drives. So many ransomware attacks could have been ended if the victims just had a secure backup. 

 

Do yourself a favor and turn on auto-backs to run always in the background, so you never lose your data. This will protect you, too, in case you have a sudden hardware failure or another issue. Don’t forget to use your file encryption tool on any files you back up. 

 

 

If your device has been infected, you should know pretty quickly. That’s because, unlike other types of cyber-attacks, fraudsters want you to discover them so they can get paid! 

 

Sometimes, however, the signs are less subtle. Watch out for suspicious activity such as unplanned shutdowns or unexplained background activity. If an attack has happened, follow these steps: 

 

 

 

Ransomware attacks are only going to increase over the next few years. The best way to protect against them is to have the right defense in place. Don’t become a victim and start integrating these proven cybersecurity tools and tips now.