Ransomware Attack

Ransomware Definition

Ransomware is a type of malware sent by hackers to encrypt victim’s files or block access to it.
Those who get Ransomware will have to pay a certain amount of money for them to be able to get back access to their files and unencrypt them again.
Most of the time, the ransom is paid with digital currencies or cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

How Ransomware Infect Users?

There are many types of Ransomware nowadays, and it can infect computers in many ways.
Ransomware can usually be spread through:

1. Phishing Mails — In this type of attack, the victim clicks a malicious link in an email attachment or a message on a social networking site.
2. Pay per install — This popular method attacks computers that are already part of a botnet (a group of infected computers under the control of criminals called botmasters) — further
infecting them with additional malware. Bot herders, criminals who look for security vulnerabilities, are paid to find these opportunities.
3. Drive-by downloads — This form of ransomware is installed when a victim clicks on a compromised website.
4. Outdated/Pirated OS – Hackers can take advantage of its flaws and get into the computer as long as the OS is outdated or pirated.

Preventing Ransomware Attack

There are some preventive actions can be taken to avoid ransomware infection.

1. Be wary of the mails that you receive. Do not click on any suspicious link/attachment in the mails.
2. Install and activate antivirus application on all computers. Premium version of antivirus often comes with anti-spam and Ransomware protection that can be integrated with email application.
3. Make sure your computer is free of viruses and malware by running a full scan every few months.
4. Use original software and operating system, and make sure that it is updated from time to time to fix any security flaws that might be there.
5. Be careful of the files that you download to the computer, Make sure they always come from a trusted source.
6. You should back up your files and data to a remote storage site regularly so that you always have a copy for disaster recovery purpose.