Know what it is and protect yourself and your company against ransomware

Ransomware is extortion software that can lock your computer and demand a ransom to unlock it. According to Kaspersky, a digital security software company like antivirus, the first registered case was in 1989; it was a primitive form of attack using software aimed at demanding payment to unlock the computer (at the time, that was what there was).

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Much later, in 2005, in Russia, the first detected cases of ransomware took place. From there, the practice spread around the world. The growth of this plague, according to Kaspersky, started in 2011. Due to so many attacks, antivirus software manufacturers began a counter-offensive, increasingly focusing their virus checkers on ransomware, especially from 2016 onwards.

Remember that ransomware is part of the malware family. And malware combines the English words “malicious” and “software.” The term malware covers all malicious software that can be dangerous for your computer. This includes viruses and trojans, says Kaspersky.

According to Kaspersky, one of the most significant and severe ransomware attacks occurred in May 2017 and was called WannaCry. During the attack, around 200,000 victims from about 150 countries were coerced into paying a bitcoin ransom.

Infection

1 – Malware first gains access to the device

2 – Depending on the type of ransomware, the entire operating system or just individual files are encrypted

3 – A ransom is then demanded from the victims in question.

Tip: To minimize the risk of a ransomware attack, you should have high-quality software.

How to detect ransomware and protect yourself from it

For this, it is necessary to avoid malicious sites that offer pirated products or illegal services. Another good idea is to have security software. But we have other tips:

1 – Do vulnerability checks. This action can help you find intruders on your system.

2 – Always update your security software. If you don’t update the software, it will be useless and just a program to suck memory from your computer. Yes, unfortunately, most (if not all) security software will slow down your device. It’s the price to pay for more security.

3 – Beware of emails, websites and attachments. It is essential to take careful action, especially when it comes to deceptive websites and email attachments. Avoid clicking on email attachments, even from sources you consider safe.

4 – Have a backup. Yes, even with all the tips, the worst can happen. So, to avoid paying money to intruders, you need to have a backup of all your data in a safe and secure place.

Means of infection

Let’s reinforce here the most known means of ransomware contamination:

1 – Visits to malicious websites

2 – Downloads of malicious attachments

3 – Downloads via unwanted add-ons.

How to detect

According to Kaspersky, the malware is designed to remain undetected for as long as possible. In this way, it is difficult to detect an infection. A ransomware attack is more likely to be seen by security software.

But there are some clues that ransomware can leave. Stay alert:

1 – Changes to file extensions

2 – Increased CPU activity and other dubious activities on your computer

These behavioural changes may indicate an infection.

How to remove ransomware?

According to Kaspersky, there are three options available:

1 – Paying the ransom, which is not recommended.

2 – Try to remove the ransomware from the computer. This is the best alternative.

3 – Reset your computer. If removing the ransomware is not possible, there is only one last step left: restoring the computer to factory settings.

Types of ransomware

There are two main categories of ransomware:

1 – Lockdown Ransomware: Basic computer functions are affected

2 – Encryption ransomware: individual files are encrypted

According to Kaspersky, the type of malware also makes a significant difference when it comes to identifying and dealing with ransomware. Within the two main categories, distinctions are made between numerous additional types of ransomware. They include, for example, Locky, WannaCry and Bad Rabbit.

False alerts and incorrect messages

Cunning ransomware attacks can use trickery to get the victim to install malware. These include false alarmist messages and untrue allegations of illegal content. Check out:

Incorrect messages about unlicensed apps

In some countries, Trojans notify the victim that unlicensed software is installed on the computer. Then the message prompts the user to make a payment.

False claims about illegal content

In countries where illegal software downloads are common, the above approach is not particularly successful for cybercriminals. Instead, ransomware messages claim they are from legal authorities, and that child pornography or other illegal content was found on the victim’s computer. The message also contains a demand to pay a fine.

And now?

Ransomware attacks threaten both ordinary people and businesses. In this way, all possible preventive measures must be taken.

1 – Avoid suspicious websites

2 – Avoid software downloads from dubious sources

3 – Do not click on links sent by email or even by SMS or WhatsApp

4 – Be careful in your interactions

5 – And have quality security software