Defend Against Ransomware – A New Malware Attack That Can Affect Your Business
There is a new term in the online world, the Ransomware! People are aware of different online threats such as viruses, worms, and Trojans, but this new threat comes straight from the grounds of terrorism. Let us look at the definition of ransomware.
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a malicious code that has the ability to stop and impedes the access of a user on a particular system. The aim of this malware is to ask for ransom in order to give the affected users their system access back.
Some ransomware makes all the files on a system unusable by running cryptographic software on them. Other malicious attackers can lock system communications, rendering the system useless. These attacks are extremely effective and it is very difficult to regain access to the system.
How Ransomware is Threatening People Online?
The ransomware usually restarts the computer after it has infected the system. It can then display the message of the ransom on the screen. This message asks users to pay up using different methods and also give a short timeline of a few days. The message threatens to completely delete the system if the ransom demands are not met.
Different IT security experts and victims have reported that there is a great variation in the ransom amounts. People are usually asked ransom amount, according to the importance of the system. Records show that people have paid from $25 to over $600 to resolve the issue. There are also different means and demands in terms of payment. In fact, attackers often ask victims to pay in bitcoin as well.
The Solution
Ransomware may seem like a dangerous threat, but there are many solutions for it. People are mostly intimidated by the malware attack because they have not taken the necessary steps to protect their systems against it.
- You need to back up your important files as often as you can.
- You should also ensure that if you have important files stored on a system, then you should protect its internet connection through the use of an efficient firewall as well as an antivirus suite.
- Good antivirus systems can detect an attempt to lock down your files. It can also stop it in its initial phase before the ransomware has applied its encryption system.
The Future
Most IT security experts believe that threats such as ransomware will continue to evolve and they will become a part of a systematic strategy that will be employed by future cyber terrorists. Engage in a range of IT services that will protect you from such threats. As the current brand of attacks has been resolved by the experts, the criminals will now continue on software development to improvise the stealth element of malware.
You should always make sure to have a ransomware protection strategy. Do this by backing up your file on a static medium such as DVDs as well as using a complete antivirus system from a top IT security company. Only these steps will ensure that your computer and your data remain safe from smart cybercriminals in the future.
