We are currently living in the IT or information technology era. Technology has come a long way, from creating and storing data on paper to the first computer that weighed over 700 hundred pounds but could only store 5 MB of data to ENIAC to the very first personal computer to the fifth generation of computers. Aside from computers, we now h have Ipads, tablets, drones, different storage devices both for online and offline, and wifi. Technological advancement definitely plays a huge role in our society.
Today, all companies use technology to run their business. Now a lot of things are automated, and this is one of the downsides of technology. Hackers can hack into different systems. Technology also gives way for cybercriminals to commit cyber crimes such as scams. One of the most common problems companies faces yearly is a ransomware attack. In this article, we will be talking all about ransomware attacks and precautionary measures to keep your system and business safe from such incidents.
What is a ransomware attack?
Ransomware is a type of malware that locks the data and files in one’s system. From the keyword “ransom,” cyber criminals infect systems to lock their files so they can ask for money in return for access, thus called ransomware attacks.
We can get this malware from phishing emails with infected attachments in them, public wifis, infected flash drives and other storage devices, malicious messages, infected websites, and malicious videos, photos, and movies.
How do you protect yourself from ransomware attacks?
If you receive emails or messages saying things like your credit card is having some issues, so they need your personal information, do not respond and immediately block the number or email, then report it. Be careful in opening email attachments. Do not open them if it is from an unknown or malicious email account. If possible, create a team that can take action in case a ransomware attack happens. Create an action plan and policies, and do not forget to orient the other employees about it.
Keep your system, anti-virus, software, and application updated. Doing so allows you to secure security gaps. Try using an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) too. The IDS checks the traffic logs to look for malicious activity. Having a system that checks on malicious activities is a huge help for your business, especially since not all employees are good with technology.
Create backup strategies. You can use different software or applications for this. You can also apply the famous 3 2 1 rule. The 3 2 1 rule basically states that you should have three copies of your data, the primary one and two backup copies. Then it should be in two different media, and lastly, one copy should not be online; this means it should be stored offsite or in physical stores.
Be conscious about the passwords. Never use a short and simple one. Make sure that it is complicated and hard to guess. If possible, try hanging the passwords every now and then; each time should be as strong or stronger than the previous ones. Avoid passwords like 123 or any chronologically o patterned numbers, passwords, QWERTY, 111, and the like. Some may look silly, and you may think that no one would actually think that’s your password, but passwords like these are the ones that get hacked.
What to do if you get a ransomware attack?
The moment you learn that a computer is attacked, disconnect it from everything. Disconnect it from Bluetooth, wifi, and other online connection, and remove any physical object connected to it. This is done to avoid spreading. After doing so, contact the authorities. Do not comply with the hackers since there is no guarantee that you can get your files back. Doing so will only encourage these cyber criminals to keep doing crimes like this since it works for them.