Visualize logging onto your computer and discovering that all your files are locked with a ransom note demanding payment to unlock them. That’s the reality for many suffering from ransomware and the numbers are eye-opening. The Cyberint Ransomware Trends Report shows that in 2023, the total number of ransomware attacks rose by more than 55% compared to the previous year. As these numbers continue to increase, securing ransomware protection should be a top concern.
With the internet evolving and more threats emerging day by day, it is important for an individual or an organization to know exactly what protection techniques are available on how to prevent ransomware and defend against such attacks.
What is ransomware protection?
Ransomware protection is a combination of preventative and responsive measures that are aimed at blocking a ransomware attack, and recovering quickly if an attack is successful. When attacking victims, ransomware criminals will encrypt important data and demand a ransom in exchange for its access. Strategies for effective ransomware protection include:
Why is ransomware protection important?
In order to put in good defenses, we first need to understand why ransomware protection matters so much:
Business continuity
For businesses, ransomware attacks can cripple operations, leading to extensive periods of downtime that cost organizations lost revenue and productivity. In addition, ransomware attacks hit businesses where it hurts most – their operations.
Proper ransomware protection helps businesses get back up and running as quickly as possible, maintaining productivity and safeguarding against operational disruptions that can threaten an organization’s long-term viability. Without proper protection, a single ransomware infection could bring operations to a standstill for days or even weeks.
Data integrity
Data encryption by ransomware can lead to the data being lost forever if proper precautions are not taken to maintain the integrity of data. Business continuity and compliance with regulations can be maintained by upholding data integrity through regular backups and security standards. Regular backup of the data can restore the data to its original position without data corruption or incomplete data restoration.
Financial impact
Ransomware attacks can be expensive, beyond the cost of the payment itself. Remediation and business interruption costs can also be extremely high. When compared with all the financial costs incurred as a result of an attack, the cost of ransomware protection is very low.
By investing in a mitigation strategy early on, a company can save money as well as time, reducing the risk of ‘losses’ that could be devastating. Companies will also end up on the wrong side of data protection laws – potentially imposing another layer of financial punishment.
Reputation management
A business hit by a ransomware attack could suffer an irreversible blow to brand reputation, which could mean losing trust and credibility with customers. A strong security posture not only helps to maintain brand integrity but also means customers will continue to do business with you and maintain market credibility. Customers will remain with a company they know will do everything to keep their confidential data safe.
Legal and regulatory compliance
Many sectors are bound by strict data regulations. The failure to protect against ransomware can result in dramatic fines and legal sanctions, so ransomware protection is as much a compliance issue as a security issue.
For instance, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) imposes steep penalties for data leaks and noncompliance. Following the regulations keeps you out of legal trouble and preserves your company’s reputation in your sector.
How can you protect yourself from ransomware?
Ransomware protection is a complex undertaking, but with these tips in mind, you can bolster your defenses:
Avoid unsafe links and downloads
Probably one of the easiest things you can do to defend against ransomware is to stop clicking on dodgy links or downloading files from dubious sources. If you see a link, always make sure you are visiting a reliable source before you click, and never download attachments if you have any doubts.
WOT’s Safe Browsing feature identifies sites that could be risky, giving you information on any website to help you avoid malware.
Don’t open suspicious emails and attachments
Ransomware is often spread via email, in which the payload link or attachment will attempt to run malicious software. Phishing emails are typically sent by cybercriminals posing as official representatives of reputable companies. These emails often ask the recipient to disclose personal information or to perform a specific action urgently. For this reason, it’s wise to check the sender’s email address for irregularities and to be suspicious of unexpected requests from seemingly trusted sources.
With WOT’s Email Protection, you not only get anti-phishing security to block unwanted emails, you also get email security to protect you from these kinds of threats and stop ransomware from infiltrating your device or computer.
Update your software and operating system
It’s also vital that you keep your software and operating system up to date since they patch up weaknesses that hackers might exploit. Staying current with updates provides an extra layer of protection against ransomware attacks by patching your system against any vulnerabilities that might allow the malware to gain entry. Older software might have security problems that haven’t been corrected, which can be exploited by ransomware.
Be careful on public Wi-Fi networks
Public Wi-Fi networks are usually unsecured and hackers can easily put in place malware that can later harm your computer. Avoid engaging in sensitive transactions such as online banking or accessing confidential work documents in such free wireless networks.
WOT’s mobile app for Android comes with a Wi-Fi Scanning feature that can detect potential risks with unsecured networks that you’d otherwise never know that are compromised so you can browse safely and securely on the go. This tool scans and warns if a wi-fi network is unsafe before you connect.
Use an anti-virus and a firewall
Using antivirus software and configuring your firewall properly can be your first lines of defense against ransomware. These programs can identify and block malware before it has penetrated your computer. Keep your antivirus program up to date and configure your firewall to block access from others.
Use a VPN
Utilizing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection and makes it harder for attackers to eavesdrop on your data as you traverse the internet. It’s especially important to use a VPN if you’re on public Wi-Fi or visiting suspect sites to strengthen your security posture. Your IP address is concealed by your VPN, which makes it harder for cybercriminals to detect your movements online or in your real location.
Surfshark estimates that there are more than 31% of all internet users worldwide use a VPN to help beef up their security and privacy. A VPN is a great asset to have in your cybersecurity toolbox and can add a measure of protection against a ransomware attack.
Start protecting yourself and your data from ransomware threats
Ransomware protection is not only a matter of technology but also of knowledge and people-driven, preventative countermeasures. Do as we advise, and make use of the security features that WOT offers so you can protect your data, and yourself. The price you will pay for not doing any of this is much higher than the price of doing it.
Protect yourself today to prevent headaches and losses tomorrow. Get ransomware protection to keep out the bad guys and protect what’s important.
FAQs
What is the first step to take after a ransomware attack?
Isolate the infected system right away, to prevent the ransomware from spreading. Unplug the machine completely from all networks and storage devices attached externally. Call your IT department or hire a professional to deal with the infection. A quick response can minimize the damage and prevent the malware from spreading to other systems.
How can regular backups help in ransomware protection?
Making regular backups, so that you have versions of your data that the ransomware can’t affect, means you can restore your system without paying the ransom. They should be kept offline or securely in the cloud so that they can’t be encrypted.
Are there specific signs of a ransomware attack?
Signs of a ransomware attack may include strange file extensions, a sluggish system, ransom notes on your screen, your files being inaccessible, and strange system behavior. If you are aware of these signs, you can take quicker action to isolate and mitigate the attack.
Can ransomware affect mobile devices?
Yes, ransomware can even target mobile devices. Users of mobile devices should install security apps, download apps only from trusted app stores, and regularly update their devices. The usual precautions of avoiding unknown links and backup are also important on mobile devices.
Is paying the ransom recommended if attacked by ransomware?
Although you might be tempted to pay the ransom to get your files back, doing so will only encourage further criminal behavior with no guarantee that your files will be returned to you. The best option is to recover through backups and to get the advice of cybersecurity professionals to mitigate the attack. Law enforcement agencies also recommend that businesses and individuals do not pay ransoms because such payments break the business model of the criminals.