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What measures should be taken to protect against ransomware?

What measures should be taken to protect against ransomware?

Ransomware is malicious software designed specifically to lock all the computer system by encrypting files and documents. This article highlights what measures should be taken to prevent ransomware attack.

 

Ransomware is malicious software designed specifically to lock all the computer system by encrypting files and documents. This strategy prevents user to access those locked files and after paying a certain amount, the attacker will provide a decryption key. This ransom amount is around $500 for the individuals and for the corporate sector, this amount is much higher. Over the past few years, ransomware has become a popular way to extract money from consumers and organizations. Some useful tips are mentioned below which will help the user to conduct measures in order to prevent ransomware attack.

Backup of data:

It is necessary for the user to make sure to have good and updated backup plans as this approach would not allow the user to pay heavy amounts to the ransomware attacker in order to get his/her data back. Several techniques can be integrated to make data backup these include:

  • Storing data backup over cloud platform.
  • Uploading important data and information on DropBox, Google Drive.
  • Use of physical media and portable HDD.

Personalize anti-spam settings:

A Ransomware attacker usually sends emails with lots of attachment links and pretends as if this email is sent by the authentic source. As the user makes an attempt to open the attachment, the users receive a “ransom note” within a short period of time. This ransom note denotes that ransomware has locked all your computer data. In order to avoid ransomware attacks, it is important for the user to configure webmail server to block the dubious attachments with the extensions .scr, .exe or .vbs.

Think before clicking:

Users can receive severe hyperlinks via instant messengers or social networks. These hyperlinks are the main cause of Ransomware attacks. So, it is necessary for the user to think twice before opening any attachment as the opening of such attachments will cost you serious loss in terms of locking of data.

Some quick tips:

  • Do not pay the ransom because there is no guarantee that after paying the amount, the user will be able to access the data.
  • Make a good and up to dated backup plan because restoration of computer files is considered as the fastest way to get data access.
  • Never provide personal information when answering an email, messages or call. Make sure to inform IT department whenever a person receives a suspicious call.
  • Use firewall and antivirus software to prevent ransomware attacks and make sure to use antivirus services from a reputable company.
  • Make sure to do content filtering and scanning for your mail servers. It is important to scan inbound emails and block the attachment which contains any sort of threat.
  • Keep your computer system up to date with the latest browsers, antivirus, Java, and Adobe Flash Player.
  • Use of strong passwords will reduce the potential risk and it cannot be brute forced by the cybercriminals.
  • Make sure to disable the feature of file sharing.

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