Ransomware is the digital version of extortion. It’s as simple as that.
It uses age-old tactics to carry out a modern day crime, but the elements behind it are as old as the human criminal activity itself.
Here are 10 tips on how to protect your data from ransomware attacks:
1) BACK UP YOUR FILES REGULARLY.
The only way to ensure that you can immediately handle a ransomware attack is to implement a regular backup schedule so that your company can get access to the files it needs without dealing with the cyber criminals. Your backup should have certain restrictions, such as read/write permissions without an opportunity to modify or delete the files.
2) CHECK YOUR BACKUPS
There are times when something can damage your files. Be sure to check regularly that your backups are in good shape.
3) PROTECT AGAINST PHISHING ATTACKS
Cyber criminals often distribute fake email messages that look like an o cial message from a vendor or bank, luring a user to click on a malicious link and download malware. Teach employees that they must never open attachments from an unknown sender or even suspicious attachments from a friend in case they have been hacked.
4) TRUST BUT VERIFY
Malicious links can be sent by your friends or your colleagues whose accounts have been hacked. Let employees know that if they receive something out of the ordinary from a friend, they should call that person directly to verify that they sent it and find out if their accounts have been compromised.
5) ENABLE ‘SHOW FILE EXTENSIONS’ OPTION IN THE WINDOWS SETTINGS
This will make it much easier to distinguish potentially malicious files. Because Trojans are programs, employees should be warned to stay away from file extensions like “exe”, “vbs” and “scr.” Scammers could use several extensions to masquerade a malicious file as a video, photo, or a document.
6) REGULARLY UPDATE YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM
Cybercriminals tend to exploit vulnerabilities in software to compromise systems. With Kaspersky Lab’s automated Vulnerability Assessment and Patch Management tools, you can rest assured that your system will be scanned and that patches will be distributed regularly in order to keep your system updated.
7) USE A ROBUST ANTIVIRUS PROGRAM
Protect your system from ransomware. Kaspersky Lab products employ a multi-layered system of defense that checks malware from many di erent angles to ensure that it does not corrupt your system.
8) CUT OFF YOUR INTERNET CONNECTION IMMEDIATELY
If you discover ransomware, shut o your internet connection right away. If the ransomware did not manage to erase the encryption key from the computers in question, then there is still a chance you can restore your files.
9) DON’T PAY THE RANSOM
If your files become encrypted, we do not recommend paying the ransom unless instant access to some of your files is critical. Each payment made helps the criminals to prosper and thrive to go on to build new strains of ransomware.
10) TRY TO IDENTIFY THE MALWARE
If you are hit by ransomware, try to find out the name of the malware. Older versions of ransomware used to be less advanced, so if it is an earlier version, you may be able to restore the files. Moreover, cyber security experts, including Kaspersky Lab experts, collaborate with law enforcement to provide file restoration tools online and, hopefully, detain the adversaries. Some victims are able to decrypt the files without having to pay the ransom.
