Ransomware is one of the most common cyber threats that attack both companies and private users. It works by encrypting your files, making them available to access unless you have the key.
The only way to get the key and have control over your files again is to pay the attackers a certain amount of money, often required in cryptocurrency. However, it doesn’t guarantee you’ll get what you want — hackers are dirty players and won’t please your requests just like that.
Prevention is the only protection from ransomware. By implementing the best cybersecurity practices and using the Internet with more precaution, you can create a safer environment capable of recognizing even the most latent types of ransomware.
If you doubt your existing cybersecurity measures, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll go through the most efficient strategies against ransomware and explain the nature of the nastiest cyber-attack.
What is Ransomware?
Once executed in your system, ransomware encrypts your files and makes them inaccessible. It uses the most advanced forms of end-to-end encryption that’s almost impossible to break, which is why the people and companies affected often face inconveniences trying to retrieve their essential data.
The only way to get your data back is to pay the ransom determined by the hackers. As we already mentioned, it doesn’t guarantee anything. In most cases, attackers flee once they receive the victim’s payment. Still, some good Samaritans will send you the information necessary to access your files.
Ransomware is easy to spread, and that’s why it’s so common. It can get into your system through a program you downloaded from an unreliable source, an email attachment, or a file someone intentionally installed on your computer. To prevent any unauthorized access that could lead to ransomware, it’s essential to protect and update your passwords. And you can do it with the best password manager, which is a budget-friendly, easy-to-use, and feature-rich tool that enhances your security and enforces your password protection. In addition, it helps you generate solid and impossible-to-break passwords that protect your critical data with the highest level of efficiency.
So, prevention is the only method that really works here. Keep scrolling to discover the 5 best ways to block ransomware and take your system’s strength to the next level.
- Install a Proper Antivirus Software
Antivirus software provides an extra layer of protection to both companies and private users who use the Internet for their daily operations. Once configured, an antivirus program shields your system from the most advanced types of malware, including ransomware. Once it detects a potential threat, it alerts the user, giving them the opportunity to block it and prevent further inconveniences resulting in permanent data loss. In addition, you can choose among a broad range of cost-effective solutions for home or business to reinforce your system and avoid comprehensive attacks that could affect your safety.
Although ransomware attacks are frequently aimed at companies and enterprises, everyday consumers can also be victims. Don’t wait for the incident to occur but apply proactive security solutions before it’s too late to save your data.
- Don’t Click on Sketchy Links
Ransomware is often spread through shady websites that might seem legitimate at first glance. These websites usually contain illegal stuff or pirated content users download on their computers without thinking about the consequences. Once you run the program you’ve downloaded from the suspicious site, ransomware is activated, and you can say goodbye to your valuable files.
This often happens when the device lacks appropriate protection. Antivirus solutions or firewalls can detect shady links and notify you on time, preventing you from making a huge mistake.
- Do Backup Regularly
Data backup and recovery is a vital process most users take for granted. However, it can save your life if you’ve been attacked with ransomware, helping you retrieve lost files. Many providers offer efficient backup and data recovery solutions, and you have the opportunity to choose the plan that meets your needs and budget (some are even free).
Besides cloud backup, you can opt for physical storage like a USB flash drive, a CD, or an external hard drive. No matter where you choose to save your backup files, you can have peace of mind knowing that you can recover your files at any time.
- Keep Your System Up to Date
While we all hate updates and tend to postpone them anytime we can, these are of vital importance for cybersecurity. Obsolete versions of operating systems or apps are prone to vulnerabilities hackers exploit to spread their malicious software. For that reason, don’t click ‘postpone’ when you see the next system update notification – it can save you from ransomware and other dangerous threats.
We recommend you enable automatic updates on your device to ensure your system is always up to date. That way, you can rest assured that you’re less likely to be a victim of ransomware or other dangerous threats.
- Educate Your Employees on Cybersecurity
If you’re a business owner, you’re targeted by cybercriminals no matter how big your company is. In fact, small and midsize businesses are commonly attacked because it’s believed that their cybersecurity measures are poor and insufficient. Unfortunately, in most cases, employees are those who (unknowingly) let the threat inside the system. And that’s because they lack basic cybersecurity knowledge.
It’s quintessential to provide your employees with adequate cybersecurity education that allows them to recognize malicious software and react appropriately once it tries to hijack the system. Business owners are advised to conduct regular cybersecurity training for their employees and mitigate risks of comprehensive cyberattacks that could cost their company a fortune and reputation.
Conclusion
Don’t take your cybersecurity for granted. Even though you believe that your system has all the necessary measures in place in case of a cyberattack, it’s important to use the web wisely – download files from reliable sources, don’t open email attachments from shady senders and don’t let everyone use your computer. All these activities can open the door to many unknown and extremely dangerous threats whose consequences you’ll never be able to undo.
Although some programs can decipher your files successfully, most work only for known ransomware types. With the increase of cybercrime, more and more new forms of malware arise, and cybersecurity specialists don’t have enough time to develop a key to break the encryption.
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