Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files and then demands a ransom in exchange for the encryption key.
It’s a form of cybercrime that’s on the rise because cybercriminals are making all kinds of money. If your computer is infected with ransomware, you can lose all of your data.
So, how does ransomware work?
This post will give you a quick explanation of ransomware and how it works. We’ll also cover the different types of ransomware and how to protect yourself from it. First, let’s deal with the basics.
What is Ransomware?
As its name suggests, ransomware is software that demands a ransom in exchange for its demands. The software corrupts your devices and ultimately locks you out, which is not only unbelievably frustrating, but ends with the hacker demanding money from you. Not an ideal situation.
So, naturally, the biggest question on your mind will probably be ‘how can I stop this from happening to me?’. Unfortunately, there’s no singular cure for ransomware. Hackers continue to get smarter, and their tricks continue to get more innovative.
However, that doesn’t mean the situation is hopeless. There are numerous steps you can take to protect yourself from ransomware. A huge part of this is knowing how you get ransomware in the first place, so let’s get into that.
How do You get Ransomware?
The most popular method hackers use for infecting your devices with ransomware is through phishing scams. If you aren’t familiar, phishing scams refer to emails with corrupted attachments that infiltrate your system with ransomware once opened. They often appear entirely legitimate, which is why so many fall victim to them.
Once downloaded, they fully take over the victim’s device, meaning that you can’t access your own files or functions. Ordinarily, victims are then supplied with demands from the original hacker, usually relating to monetary payment.
More often than not, ransomware will encrypt your files so that you can no longer open them. This can present a unique problem for anybody, but it is especially harmful for business owners or professionals who rely on their devices to sustain their income.
One of the more malicious ways that ransomware can make its way onto your devices is by pretending to be from law enforcement, and describing the demand for money as a ‘fine’. Alternatively, they may seize your files and blackmail you, threatening to publicize sensitive details in exchange for money.
Either way, it isn’t an ideal situation. If you want to ensure you won’t become a victim of ransomware, never ever click on a link that you don’t trust or open an attachment that you don’t recognize. Before you know it, things can turn ugly.
What Puts You at a Higher Risk of a Ransomware Attack?
Though there’s no surefire way to prevent a ransomware attack, there are certain behaviors or steps that can help to reduce the risk. Some of the factors putting you at a higher risk are the actions you don’t take, rather than those that you do.
For example, failing to keep your devices and operating software up to date can severely hinder your security. Operating systems are constantly updating to keep up with the innovative ways that hackers are trying to steal your data. If you continue to ignore these updates, you could be missing out on vital protection.
Businesses are highly common targets for ransomware attacks because hackers know that’s where the money is. If your business is frozen because of a virus, hackers know you will pay just about anything to get it back up and running.
However, numerous businesses have no official incident response plan in place, meaning their staff don’t know how to respond during an attack. Time is of the essence when ransomware takes hold, so everyone needs to know their role.
What Should You do During a Ransomware Attack?
Of course, prevention is always preferable to needing an official incident response outlined to your employees. However, it is unrealistically optimistic to believe that your systems will never get infected, so you need to stay prepared.
Listed below are our top tips for what you should do during a ransomware attack, whether it has affected your personal or business computers.
Step 1: Disconnect All Infected Devices From All Network Connections
As long as your devices are hooked up to the internet, they are vulnerable. You might think things are already bad once the ransomware takes hold, but if you continue to leave your devices open, things will only get worse. Cut the connection ASAP.
Step 2: Reset All Passwords, Consider Improving Your Security
Whether your device became infected through a phishing scam or a different hacking tactic, your passwords are now most likely in the hands of hackers. You need to change all of them. Though this may seem like a daunting task, it’s the only way to truly guarantee the hackers won’t have access to your private details in the future.
Additionally, consider changing your passwords to something stronger. Utilize more special characters, a mixture of upper and lower case letters, and add numbers throughout (not just at the end).
Try to make all of your passwords slightly different, too. If you use the same password for everything, you make all of your private data significantly easier to access.
Step 3: Back to Basics, Wipe All Data and Reinstall the Operating System
This will ensure that the ransomware is completely wiped from your device. Most operating systems come with a backup option already installed, so rather than returning to a blank slate you can simply return your device to a time before the infection.
However, if you do use a backup in this way, make sure you are 100% confident that it is free of ransomware too. Some ransomware viruses will lay dormant before activating, so it can be difficult to tell when it first infiltrated your system. Having external backups of key data and programs is a good way to mitigate this potential problem.
Step 4: Reconnect to Your Network and Run Antivirus Software
Once you are confident that the threat has been nullified, you can reconnect your devices to their original network and proceed as normal. By running an antivirus software you can give yourself some peace of mind that all traces of the original virus have been wiped out.
The process of removing ransomware is a pain. Your best option will always be to invest in protocols to prevent infection in the first place. If you don’t, you run the risk of losing huge amounts of precious data and could make yourself vulnerable to significant financial losses.
If you want to seek further advice on how best to respond to a cyberattack, consult the Cyber Incident Response created by the National Cyber Security Centre. They offer suggestions on how best to protect your devices and, ultimately, your professional security.
Ransomware Can be Devastating, but it Can Also be Avoided
Though phishing scams and ransomware attacks are a daunting prospect, you don’t need to operate in fear of them. Keeping your systems up to date, educating all staff on the pitfalls of opening suspicious links or attachments, and protecting your devices with thorough antivirus software can all help to significantly reduce the risk of attack.
Christian Scott is the founder and operator of Malware Brains, a comprehensive cybersecurity website dedicated to educating individuals and businesses about malware and its impacts on society. With over 25 years of collective industry experience, Christian and his team of experts provide unbiased, factual information to help users understand and mitigate the risks associated with malicious software.
