What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware that accesses a victim’s files, locks and encrypts them and then demands the victim to pay a ransom to get them back. Ransomware infections threaten computer users with the destruction of data if they don’t pay the money to the crooks that created the infections. Cybercriminals use these attacks to try to get users to click on attachments or links that appear legitimate but actually contain malicious code. Ransomware is like the “digital kidnapping” of valuable data from personal photos and memories to client information, financial records and intellectual property. Any individual or organization could be a potential ransomware target.

Protection against Ransomware:

1. Regularly backup your data to an external device, to the cloud, or both so that data can be available even if Ransomware attack happens.
2. Make sure all of your operating system and anti-virus/anti-malware programs are set to update automatically.
3. Think before you click an unknown link because almost all the Ransomware infection attacking happened by clicking on a link from a bogus email, a hijacked social media account, or another malicious source over the internet.
4. Enable spam email detection to avoid getting unwanted mails containing malicious attachments.
5. Always check who the email sender is. Check digital signature or certificates for any company or be sure the sender is trusted one before clicking any mail attachment.
6. Double-check the content of the message before sending.
7. Keep all machines clean to prevent any kind of cybercrime.
8. Get two-factor authentication system for strong security.
9. Every time you plug any USB or external device, do scan twice.
10. Make better passwords to enhance security of your computer and accounts.
11. When in doubt, throw it out. If any link or mail attachment looks suspicious just ignore it.