On average, there are 4000 ransomware cases per day. This is according to the annual Internet Crime Report published by the FBI.
Ransomware doesn’t discriminate. Anyone can be a victim.
In both individual and business computer networks, if there’s a weak spot, ransomware will find it. Yes, if you use a device that connects to the internet you could become a target of ransomware.
Understanding the risk is the first step in protecting your valuable information. Keep reading to learn what ransomware is and how to prevent malicious software attacks.
Put simply, ransomware is a cyber-attack. It uses a type of malicious software (malware) created to “kidnap” your data in exchange for a ransom payment. Ransomware works by either encrypting or locking the data on your system so that you can’t access it.
Once your information has been “kidnapped” you’ll receive notification of the ransomer’s demands. For example, a lock screen will tell you how to pay the ransom fee. You might be told to purchase cryptocurrency or pay a hefty fee by some other untraceable means.
The ransomers usually threaten to leak your private information or to wipe it completely if you don’t pay. Your system is useless to you without a decryption key, which is supposedly provided on payment of the ransom.
A recent example of ransomware is the CryptoLocker case of 2013. It encrypted hard drives and attached networks in exchange for Bitcoin payment.
CryptoLocker was distributed by email. It had an attachment claiming it was a tracking notification from FedEx or UPS. In 2014 a decryption key was released. However, by that time, it’s estimated that over USD 27 million was lost to CryptoLocker.
Another example is called REvil. This type of malware is used to steal data before encrypting it. Then the user (usually corporate) would be blackmailed into paying the ransom. REvil came from faulty IT management software used to update Windows and Mac operating systems.
Preventing ransomware attacks usually starts with properly installing and testing backups. Prevention also includes using security tools to set up ransomware protection. Security tools include Email Protection Gateways and Intrusion Detection Systems. These alert against a ransomware system by picking up command-and-control requests.
User training provides another layer of security that protects against ransomware. It helps you, as an email user, recognise threats sent through email phishing.
Here are four protective measures you can take against ransomware:
1. Emails
Email phishing and spam are the primary means for delivering ransomware attacks. Targeted attack protection in Secure Email Gateways can be set up to detect and block malware. This deals with malware in attachments, documents, or URLs of emails.
2. Mobile Devices
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is used to analyse your applications. Mobile users get alerts if any of their apps have compromised security. MDM tools are used together with mobile attack protection products.
3. Web Surfing
Secure Web Gateways scan your browsing data to identify malicious website advertisements. This minimises your risk of clicking on a web ad that leads to ransomware.
4. Servers and Networks
Install monitoring tools to protect your server, network and backup systems. These monitoring tools can spot unusual file access activities, viruses, and CPU loads.
These tools will catch the threat before the ransomware has the chance to run. Plus, storing a complete backup of critical systems minimises the possibility of a crash or encryption.
If you know about a threat, you’ll be better equipped to face it. Ransomware is a very real modern-day problem and its implications can affect your private life and your livelihood.
Cybercriminals are smart and getting more resourceful every day. However, there are tried and true ways to protect your data and your systems to ensure that you are not an easy target.
If you’re concerned about the security of your system, take steps to protect yourself from risk today! Don’t be a statistic, contact Vision Catcher for risk inspired solutions.