7 Protection Tips Against Ransomware

7 Protection Tips Against Ransomeware : How to prevent an infection

Learn more about preventing and protecting against ransomware. But exactly what is ransomware? When ransomware or an encryption Trojan infects your computer, it encrypts your data or locks it down. When ransomware takes control of a “digital hostage,” such as a file, it demands a ransom in exchange for its release. So it’s essential to be prepared if you want to avoid finding yourself in front of a locked laptop or encrypted file. Infection risks can be significantly reduced by using security software and paying close attention.

You can avoid paying exorbitant amounts of money for the possible release of your data by using anti-ransomware. Infections with ransomware can occur in various ways, including insecure and fraudulent websites, software downloads, and spam emails. Individuals and businesses of all sizes are targeted by ransomware.

While the basic concept of ransomware attacks, data encryption, and ransom extortion remains the same. Cybercriminals frequently change how they operate. Originally, spam emails are believed to be the main point of attack. While these are still relevant today, VPN vulnerabilities and botnet distribution are becoming more common. 

Anti-ransomware protection is evolving to become more effective and efficient, just as cybercriminals drive the development of ransomware.

Are you a potential target of a ransomware attack due to security faults?

• A variety of factors could make you the target of a ransomware attack.
• Browsers and/or operating systems are no longer patched
• The current device is no longer cutting-edge.
• There has been insufficient attention paid to cybersecurity, and no concrete plan is in place.
• The software on the device is out of date.
• There is no proper backup plan.

If any of these points apply to your device, you are exposed to a ransomware attack.

Seven (7) ways to protect your computer/mobile device against ransomware and avoid infection

There are seven ways to defend your computer against ransomware and prevent them from infection.

1] Avoid clicking on unsafe links.

Do not click on links in spam messages or on unknown websites. Even if it comes from someone you know, always enter the link into your browser. An automatic download may begin when you click on malicious links, potentially infecting your computer.

2] Avoid disclosing personal information.

Do not respond if you receive a call, text message, or email from an unknown source requesting personal information. Cybercriminals planning a ransomware attack may attempt to gather personal information in advance, which is then used to tailor phishing messages to you specifically. 

Make use of your common sense. Do you find a website strange? Is it requesting sensitive personal information? Do not take the risk if it appears to be dangerous. Instead, look for indications of legitimacy. Is there contact information or evidence of a physical presence on the website? If you have any doubts, contact them by phone or email to confirm their legitimacy.

3] Do not open suspicious email attachments.

Ransomware can enter your device via email attachments. Avoid opening any suspicious-looking attachments. To ensure the email is trustworthy, pay close attention to the sender and double-check that the address is correct. To view attachments, never run macros. If the attachment is infected, opening it will release a malicious macro that will allow malware to take control of your computer.

4] Never connect unknown USB sticks to your computer.

Downloading software or media files from unknown websites is never a good idea. Cybercriminals may have infected the storage medium and left it in a public place in order to lure someone to use it.

5] Use trusted download sites.

Never download software or media files from unknown sites. For downloads, use only verified and trustworthy websites. Trust seals can be used to identify these websites. Also, check that the page’s browser address bar uses “HTTPS” rather than “HTTP.” A shield or lock symbol in the address bar can indicate that the page is secure. Also, use caution when downloading anything to your mobile device and computer.

6] Use VPN services on public Wi-Fi networks.

Using public Wi-Fi networks with caution is a cautious anti-ransomware precaution. Your computer is more vulnerable to attacks when connected to a public Wi-Fi network. To be safe, avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions and instead use a secure VPN service.

7] Update your programs and operating system

Updating your programs and operating systems on a regular basis helps to protect you from malware. When updating, make sure you get the most recent security patches. This makes exploiting vulnerabilities in your software more difficult for cybercriminals.

In addition to these infection-prevention measures, using appropriate software to protect against ransomware is essential. For example, using virus scanners and content filters on your mail servers is a smart way to prevent ransomware. 

The appropriate software can block infected files when you download or stream something, providing real-time protection. This keeps cybercriminals at bay by preventing ransomware from infecting your computer. It also performs scans to detect and block ransomware and protects your data from both local and remote-access ransomware attacks.

If you’ve installed the right software, you have already taken a big step in the right direction. Update your internet security solution on a regular basis to take advantage of the best and most up-to-date protection it has to offer. Each update includes the most recent security patches and improves ransomware protection.

Data security helps to reduce the threat of the worst-case scenario.

Conclusion

When it comes to countering ransomware, as with other types of malware, caution and excellent security software are extremely important. Backups are essential when dealing with this type of malware because they allow you to be well-prepared even in the worst-case scenario. If you are a victim of a ransomware attack despite these precautions, you can find more information on how to remove the malicious software here.

Be equipped with cybersecurity know-how to rise above a crisis, make informed decisions, and win the war against cyber threats. DECODE 2022 will be on November 28-29.

DECODE is the premier cybersecurity conference in the Philippines hosted by Trend Micro, a global leader in cybersecurity. To know more about this event and to secure your slot for free, visit https://decodeph.com

DECODE 2022: Detect & Respond will have six keynote presentations and over 40 sessions across four key tracks below are the Speakers for the event:

#Decode2022 #DecodePH2022

You might like these:

Trend Micro’s DECODE 2022 Calls on Industry to Detect and Respond

Trend Micro’s Annual Cybersecurity Conference DECODE is back this November 2022