Ransomware attacks are becoming more frequent and dangerous, affecting both companies and individuals; this type of attack causes panic among users and can be lethal for your team.
You might ask yourself " How can I prevent ransomware attacks on my PC? This article will provide you with one guide practice at safety to avoid being a victim of cyber criminals.
What is ransomware?
È extremely malicious software, designed to infect the computer and allow the cybercriminal to encrypt files so that the user does not have access to their information. Then, when the individual attempts to access such information, they will be blocked and will see a pop-up window requesting payment of a ransom for such information.
Cyber criminals then use ransomware attacks for hijack files from computers or mobile devices with the intention of request a ransom ; This ransom must be paid in a virtual currency such as PayPal or Bitcoin.
The ransomware masquerades as a trusted file, program, or system update to trick users into using it or clicking it, once the user is fooled, the ransomware enters the computer to lock files and demand a ransom.
Faced with a ransomware attack, it is not advisable to pay the ransom, because if you pay it is likely that you will be the victim of another attack, as you are proving to the attacker that you are willing to pay and have the possibilities to do so; also there are users who do not even recover their data after paying.
Types of ransomware:
There are different types of ransomware, but each one is extremely malicious and easily found on the web; it also has the same purpose of demanding ransom from cybercriminals.
- Encryption or encryption: this is the most common type which is responsible for encrypting all files on a device.
- Encryption and erasing: takes care of encrypting files and gradually deleting them if the victim does not pay.
- Block: is responsible for blocking the login, i.e. you cannot access your computer in any way.
- Hijack o Doxware: is responsible for the theft of the user's personal data and the request for a ransom in order not to make such information public.
- Scareware: this it is fake software that claims to have discovered problems on your PC and asks for money to fix it.
Tips for preventing ransomware attacks on PC:
- Frequently update your PC's operating system to avoid vulnerabilities. For this you can use the best tools and programs to update your PC software.
- Install the antivirus on your PC and it is important to keep it up to date. In this case it is also important to orient yourself in terms of the best free and paid antivirus for PC.
- Update the web browser you use frequently (Opera, Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari).
- Never click on dubious links or open files from unknown sources.
- Never open the emails of strangers or download the files they contain.
- When you use a web page make sure it has the HTTPS protocol qualified, if you don't know what it is, check that the page has a green lock symbol in the browser; This will ensure that the page is safe.
- Make sure your antivirus has Anti Ransom tools embedded, as it is in charge of blocking the encryption process of a ransomware; If your antivirus does not have this tool, install one on your PC (Acronis Ransomware Protection, Bitdefender Anti-Ransomware or Avast). You can also avoid being a victim of ransomware by using AntiRansom.
- Use spam filters.
- Download movies, music, software, applications or programs from trusted sites.
- Do not provide personal data via calls or messages, as many cybercriminals try to contact their victims before the attack to obtain personal information.
- Clean the USB memory after using it on public computers.
- Lend caution while browsing the Internet and do not click accept before reading.
- Stay informed about new types of ransomware attacks and what they are about.
- Make backup copies regular of the files on your PC and if it's in a cloud your documents will be better protected.
Remember that it is important to implement a good combination of measures to protect your equipment; eg, update your operating system, usa anti-virus, anti-ransomware, do a backup and use common sense when browsing the internet, that way you will be well protected against those malicious ransomware that abound on the web.
