What is a Ransomware — and how to protect yourself
Yesterday, malicious software known as WannaCry was used in a global cyberattack. It was reported that WannaCry ransomware attack affected approximately 200,000 computers in at least 99 countries — affecting major organizations like NHS in the UK, Telefonica in Spain, and FedEx in the US. You can read about the WannaCry attack in the news. The type of malware used in this attack is known as Ransomware.
What is a Ransomware:
Ransomware is a type of malware program that blocks access to a device until a demand (ransom) is paid. A malware or “malicious software” is any program meant to damage, steal, disrupt, and carry out any illegitimate action on devices, networks, or data. Ransomware blocks and hijack your data, device, or network until a request made by the hijacker(s) is met. In most cases, the hijacker(s) make monetary demands.
How does Ransomware work:
First, the attacker needs access to your data, device, or network. Some of the common ways of getting access are by exploiting an existing vulnerability (like devices and software that weren’t updated) or by implementing other forms of gaining access (like phishing attacks, thumb drive drop tactics, malvertising, etc.) After gaining access, the attacker then locks and encrypts your device in a way that you cannot access your data anymore. The attacker makes a demand while holding your data to ransom.
How to prevent Ransomware:
Some steps you should take to protect yourself against Ransomware are:
- Always update your devices and software
- Install, use, and update anti-malware
- Backup! Backup!! Backup!!! — One of the most important ways of overcoming ransomware attacks is to ensure you have a backup copy of your important files
- Avoid clicking on links and opening an email attachment from untrusted sources
- Use a pop-up blocker
- Be careful of phishing attacks
There are a lot of articles explaining what Ransomware is and how to protect yourself, read digital trends, watch this video, and also this video.