As previously explored, technology has revolutionised the way we live our lives and its abilities have been the main driver in the growth of modern society worldwide. But these positives also bring a negative in their wake when criminals also use the wonders of technology to commit crimes against normal law-abiding citizens.
It is essential that you maintain your cybersecurity to a sufficient standard that makes you feel protected against cybercriminals.
We will now take a look at a particular type of cybercrime called ‘Ransomware’.
Ransomware
Ransomware is the name for a type of Malware that extorts money from victims by disabling systems or encrypting files with the promise to restore access once a fee has been paid.
Cybercriminals often use file encryption to force victims into paying the fees. The files stay on your computer but in an encrypted form, meaning they cannot be accessed. They often threaten to delete the files if payment is not received within a certain time frame.
Unfortunately, many businesses make a snap decision out of panic to pay the fee as promptly as possible – however, this is no guarantee that your data will be returned. Paying the fee often increases the chances that you will be targeted again as you will now be considered an easy target by criminals.
The different kinds of Ransomware
Ransomware comes in a variety of different forms; all of which are common in the fact they make files inaccessible to you or severely affect your ability to use your technology.
Crypto Ransomware – This potentially damaging form of ransomware uses encryption of files to force victims into paying a fee for restoration. Such attacks are rarely subtle, and often seek to shock the victim into paying the ‘decryption fee’ by using the threat of permanent file deletion.
Scareware – Scareware comes in the form of pop-ups on infected websites. These pop-ups will usually urge the user to click on a link or enter payment details in order to remove viruses claimed to have been found on your system. Encountering Scareware doesn’t necessarily mean your computer has been breached – instead, you might just be one click away from infecting your system with harmful Malware.
Screen Lockers – Screen Lockers don’t necessarily encrypt your files but they do infect your computer’s operating system, making your computer entirely unusable. When you try to log in to your account a pop-up message demanding payment will appear.
How to protect yourself against Ransomware
Ransomware – due to its high success rate and the sudden loss of earnings many have suffered due to Covid-19 – has become a popular money-making method for hackers worldwide. It is essential that you keep your files out of the hands of these hackers. Here are some methods of how to achieve this:
- DON’T PAY! – Yes, you may feel under enormous pressure to retrieve your files, but payment is no guarantee that you will regain control. You are dealing with criminals; there is every possibility that they will request further payment and even then, they may never return your files – this could become a constant cycle, causing even worse financial and operational problems for the business.
- Take advantage of cloud services – Cloud services such as hosted storage limit the opportunities for ransomware to enter your system.
- Keep your system and software up-to-date – Cybercriminals will exploit weaknesses in out-of-date, poorly maintained software. This means keeping everything current, from your operating system to individual programs you use as well as your anti-virus software.
Ransomware has the power to completely stop your business operating. It is essential that you take the time to establish preventative measures to ensure the safety of your systems and the information on them.
Do you feel secure?
Are you worried about a Ransomware attack?
We’re Exi-Go, how can we help?
From our partnerships with experts in the sector, we are always at the forefront of innovation in the tech industry. We provide business IT solutions and a friendly service capable of ensuring that you are as secure as possible against cybercriminals. We are on a mission to help our clients make sense of IT and want to become an integral part of your team to help you prosper with IT as your ally. We would develop and maintain a relationship that allows you to feel supported at all times from any and every attack on your vital systems. Contact us now to see how we can help you.
We’re a trusted provider of IT Support and managed technology services to businesses & organisations across the UK from our bases in Watford and Manchester. Our ethos places people before technology; ensuring that we make technology work for you, your business and your team.
Contact us for more information on 0203 096 2220 or hello@Exi-Go.com