How to Defeat Ransomware: The Best Ways to Protect Your Data

Ransomware is an increasingly popular form of malware that infects computers and encrypts their files. Once infected, the computer’s file system becomes encrypted, making it impossible for users to open or access any files.

If you’re one of the many people who have fallen victim to ransomware, you’re probably worried about the damage it has caused. But if you know how to combat this type of malware, you can prevent it from damaging your important files in the future.

In this article, we’ll share the best ways to protect your files against ransomware. We’ll also offer some tips on how to recover your data if you’re infected.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a form of malware, otherwise known as a computer virus, that hacks into your system and often prevents you from accessing your files. In exchange for regaining access to your data, the hacker will usually prompt you to pay them somehow. This is why it’s called ransomware. Your data is quite literally held hostage.

Ransomware isn’t discriminating with who it targets. Hackers will use this form of malware to compromise both individuals and large organizations alike. It may sound surprising, but ransomware is responsible for the losses of billions of dollars every year as more and more systems fall victim to it.

Legal authorities always recommend that you should never pay the ransom provided. This is largely due to two key reasons. Firstly, there is absolutely no guarantee the criminal hackers will honor their part of the deal. Secondly, your financial details will then be in the hands of criminals. No matter how you look at it, it’s a bad idea.

It’s understandable why so many do choose to pay out when ransomware strikes. Whether it’s your personal laptop or an entire business network, your files are personal. Getting them back ASAP is a priority, but you should always resist the urge to pay out of desperation. Instead, consider preventative measures. 

How Can You Protect Yourself From Ransomware?

If you are concerned about a ransomware attack that hasn’t happened yet, good. We aren’t suggesting that you live in fear, but enacting good habits beforehand is a great way to reduce the risk of infection. 

Thankfully, there are a variety of ways to achieve this aim. To get you started, we have listed some below. 

Back-Up Your Data Frequently

The main threat of ransomware is seizing your data and not allowing you to retrieve it. If you have all of your most sensitive data backed up to a different server or hard drive, this threat holds far less weight. Sure, it still isn’t an ideal situation, but at least you will still have access to the files you need most.

Make the Most of Antivirus Software

There are all kinds of antivirus software out there, and some are admittedly more effective than others. However, even if you just grab a free version, it’s better than leaving your device entirely exposed. Antivirus software can offer you protection by alerting you to threats before they have the chance to do any real damage. 

Don’t Click on Links or Attachments You Don’t Trust

You might be surprised by just how many people fall for this, but hackers are only getting more convincing. Entirely trustworthy-looking links and attachments can actually be rife with ransomware, and all it takes is one click! Before opening anything, make sure you are certain it is from a valid source. Otherwise, don’t take the risk. 

How to Handle a Ransomware Attack

So, now you’re totally aware of what ransomware is and how much chaos it can cause, it’s time to discuss what to do if your computer is already infected. Preventative measures will always be preferable, but hindsight isn’t helpful when you’re already in the trenches.

Listed below is our full guide on how to handle a ransomware attack. We have tried to tailor our advice to both personal computers and larger organizations to include as many outcomes as possible. Generally, your response should be similar, though there are some differences. Let’s jump in.

Disconnect From Everything

Viruses most often get into your system via the internet. If you suspect that your computer has been infected, you need to cut that connection immediately. If you have lost access to your entire device, unplug your router or modem to kill it at the source.

Viruses can also travel via Bluetooth, so make sure to turn that off as well. Your main aim here is to cut off all ties your device may have with the outside world. This should prevent any more contamination.

If Possible, Identify the Type of Ransomware

This is usually only done if you had antivirus installed or, if you’re an organization, that your IT team is on the case. Knowing what you’re dealing with is imperative to a successful recovery, and could prevent you from falling victim to further losses.

This is because different strains of ransomware compromise cybersecurity in different ways. By knowing which one has infected your computer, you can try to predict their next move. This can help with removal.

Change Your Logins: All of Them

Though it may sound like a pain, having a different password for everything is a great idea. Even if they are only slightly different, if you have the same password for everything then you are basically handing the keys over to every aspiring hacker.

You might think it’s too late to change your passwords if your computer is already infected, but remember what we said before. Viruses travel via the internet, Bluetooth, and numerous other network connections. If you don’t act quickly, you will only lose access to more accounts, which will incur greater damages.

Inform the Police

Being struck by a ransomware cyberattack might feel like an isolated event, but they aren’t. They are often part of an entire network of attacks that legal authorities need to be informed of. It’s also in your best interests to report the hacker, as they will be able to help you move forward.

It is always the advice of law enforcement that you never pay the ransom associated with these attacks. There is absolutely no guarantee that the criminals will pay you, and they are criminals. They are the last people you want your financial information going to.

To help with your report, try to take a picture of the ransom notification as soon as it comes through. It’s understandable if you miss this step, given the panic of the situation, but it could help police identify the hacker later. It could also help you when making a cyber insurance claim, which will be necessary if your business has been struck hard.

Ransomware is Tricky, but not Invincible

Ransomware attacks are only increasing, and they are getting smarter too. However, that doesn’t mean you need to live in fear of them, nor does it mean a devastating attack is inevitable. If you do suffer an attack, follow our steps and stay calm. Panic only begets bad decisions, and that’s the last thing you need in this scenario.

Keep your systems updated, protected, and inform your employees to never click on suspicious links or attachments. As long as you follow this advice, your network should remain safe.