Steps to Protect Your System from Ransomware

The circumstances may be unveiling at someplace in the world at present. It can even be in your town or area. Right now, someone would be clicking a link in an email lying in the spam folder or activating macros in a malicious file without having proper security software in the system. It can lead to encryption of their data, and to regain access, they would need to pay a chunk of money in just a few days if they do not have the back up of this data. Most of the people usually do not have the backup of data. Ransomware producers and other cybercriminals linked in the malware administration are greedy. They have automated their attacks to the point of targeting anyone and everyone.

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a complicated type of malware that prevents the victim’s access to his or her data. To get back the data or files, a hefty ransom is required to be paid. Ransomware is a nightmare. All your precious data, information, or files are locked and encrypted, and the unknown cybercriminal demands some amount of money before you can regain access. Ransomware is spread through attachments in emails, visiting compromised websites, using infected software, and infected external storage devices. As the ways in which attackers are attacking your system are constantly evolving, there are multiple channels through which your system can be infected.

Features of ransomware

• Unalterable encryption: It is impossible to decrypt the files on your own.
• Capable of encrypting all types of files: Any type of file in your system can be encrypted, whether it is pictures, video, or any other document.
• Changing names of files: It can cause a change in the names of files to confuse the victims about the affected data or files and force them to pay a ransom.
• Displaying of an image or a message: A message or an image is displayed on the screen to inform the victim about encryption and ask for ransom.
• Time-limit for payment of ransom: There is a limited time for payment of ransom, and exceeding this limit would lead to an increase in ransom amount or destruction of data forever.
• Capable of data ex-filtration: It means that important and private data like passwords, usernames, etc. can be extracted. This data is further sent to cybercriminals.
• Spreading to local networks: It can spread to computers connected with local networks that can lead to further damage.

How cybercriminals infect your system?

• Spam email: Spam emails include malicious links. Clicking on this link can lead to any type of malware attack.
• Vulnerable software: It can exploit the security of the system.
• Malicious website: One can be redirected to such malicious websites through internet traffic.
• Botnets
• SMS messages

Steps to protect your system from ransomware

1.Think before you click

Most of us receive spam emails and messages which contain links that target human tendencies. It is called phishing. It utilizes social engineering techniques to manipulate the people to click that link, which one should not. Many cybersecurity incidents occur due to such techniques. Before clicking any links like these, one should match the linked text with the target address by checking the URL. Undesired email attachments should not be opened. One should be cautious of language that carries a reason of urgency. Also, be aware of those emails that do not address you by your name.

2. Apply updates

The advantage of security defects in your system is taken by most of the malware. Software developers develop various updates to correct these security defects and protect the users. Users should apply these updates as soon as they are available to prevent such attacks. It is vital to keep the software updated to lower the risk of malware attacks.

3.Install a good antivirus

It is crucial to install good antivirus or anti-malware software in your system. You should opt for the best anti ransomware software to protect your system from the risk of ransomware infection. Before installing any anti-ransomware software, one should read the reviews and use the trial versions of different software.

4.Secure your router

Your router is the most important device for you as it provides connectivity to all your other devices. You should protect your router with the help of the following tips:

• You should update the firmware of your router. A firmware helps the router to run. Therefore, it should be updated for fixing bugs, improving security, etc.
• You should change the default login credentials of your router to something that is more secure.
• The password of your Wi-Fi should be changed after some time.
• WPS and remote access should also be disabled.

5.Remove apps you don’t need

You may have probably installed multiple applications on your computer and mobile devices that you do not use. Such applications should be removed to free the space. Getting rid of unnecessary applications would protect your device or system from the risk of infection.

6.Lock your smart devices

The internet has become essential these days. Most of our devices require internet connectivity. But the internet connectivity in your devices can lead to malware attacks. Implement network segmentation to confine your smart devices on their network and block an attack from reaching your more important devices.

7.Back up important data

It is the easiest way of defending against ransomware infections. Backing up your data will give you an edge over the attackers. It is essential that you disconnect your backup software from the internet. Only connect this software to the internet, when you want to enable backup.

Ransomware attacks are on the rise and have been getting more dangerous in recent years. Applying the steps mentioned above would help you in securing your system from ransomware attacks and infections. It has become essential to install antivirus software on your devices to protect them from such attacks. There are various options available in the market but one of the best free ransomware protection software is from DefenceByte. Explore it right here!