6 STEPS TO PREVENT RANSOMWARE
Ransomware is a form of malicious software also known as Malware, which takes over your computer, and blocks your access to it, encrypting your files and demands payment for you to retrieve access to those stolen files.
Like any other form of Malware, it can attack computers and even mobile phones in a number of different ways. The most common way is thru an e-mail where a target receives an infected e-mail that doesn’t look suspicious at first, but contains a link or an attachment that will take the target to a website that will implant the ransomware on their computer or mobile phone.
Another way ransomware can get to your computer is through links on malicious website, suspicious downloads and even security vulnerabilities in your browsers and plugins.
So how can you protect your computer and other devices from this malware? Here are some steps to prevent ransomware:
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Back Up
One of the easiest yet the most important thing you can do, is to do frequent backups of your important files. There are a lot of ways you can backup your files, you can store a copy in a cloud storage and another copy to a portable external hard drive. This way, if you fall victim to a ransomware and you’re stripped off of access in your files, you can easy retrieve it from thee backups.
Another trick you can do is to toggle read/write permissions and other data access privileges so your files won’t be easily modified.
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Install Updates
Outdated security patches of your operating system and softwares can make you more susceptible to this malware. These security vulnerabilities are known to be the most exploited once the virus enters your computer. Make sure all your softwares and web browsers and even plugins are up to date.
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Reinforce Your Security
Aside from investing in a strong anti-virus software, make sure you keep your firewall turned on and configured. You can also add a web filtering software to make it more difficult for the ransomware to enter your system. Don’t just rely on one form of protection.
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Be wary. Be smart.
This might be one of the most understated steps to prevent ransomware, but also the most effective. We all know that prevention is better than cure, and now that you know how you can get infected by this malware, you must already know not to click on links or attachment from a suspicious email from unknown or untrusted contacts. Think before you click.
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Reduce Spam
Since ransomware is most commonly spread thru e-mails, make sure you install and maintain email filters, antivirus software and firewall to reduce spam emails. You should also make sure that these added protection are all up to date.
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Check Cybersecurity News
It is important to know what’s going on so we can prevent these threats from happening to us. These news are usually updated even before these viruses hit a huge number of victims, and knowing it first can save you from a ton of frustration and disaster, by getting ready and protecting yourself properly.
