What is Ransomware?

We all are familiar with the word ‘ransom’, what is ransomware?

Ransomware is malicious software with one in mind: to extort money from its victims. It's one of the most prolific criminal business models in existence today.

In a very simple way, we can understand that ransomware is malicious software that infects your computer and displays messages demanding a fee to be paid in order for your system to work again. Ransomware is a type of malware (malicious software) which criminals use to extort money.

Ransomware is often designed to spread across a network and target database and file servers, and can thus quickly paralyze an entire organization.

Ransomware is one of the greatest cyber security threats that organisations currently face. A ransomware attack can spread when the infected file is opened on a computer connected to the network. Once a device is connected, the attack will spread quickly through the network infecting all PC’s. If the ransom demands of the attackers aren’t met, the files will remain encrypted and useless.

Ransomware uses asymmetric encryption. This is cryptography that uses a pair of keys to encrypt and decrypt a file. The public-private pair of keys is uniquely generated by the attacker for the victim, with the private key to decrypt the files stored on the attacker’s server. The attacker makes the private key available to the victim only after the ransom is paid.

However, there’s no guarantee if the criminals would even bother to decrypt the files once, they receive payment. Some hackers delete the data outright, while others play the blackmail card and threaten to post the victim’s sensitive photos or info.

The unfortunate truth is that ransomware has become so wide-spread that for most companies. The best they can do is to be prepared and understand the best ways to how can be safe.

How Can We be Safe :

Prevention is better than cure ….

Prevention is a safe way to remain away from any critical situation. There are so many things which we should keep in mind to be safe from this unpredictable event.

The Key to Safety Is in Your Hands

The best way to keep your data safe, this is the only key to prevent ransomware infections. Otherwise, it will become a vicious cycle. Here are a few prevention tips.

Understand What your most important data is and create an effective backup strategy.

Data backup is like putting your data in a vault you can quickly and easily access in an emergency situation. A comprehensive backup strategy is essential part of an organization’s cyber safety net. Restoration of your files from a backup is the fastest way to regain access to your data. Do make sure that all systems and software are up-to-date with relevant patches. Regular patching of vulnerable software is necessary to help prevent infection.

Perform regular system and file back-ups

Add another layer of security by backing up your computer once a week. Backup your system and files on an external hard drive so you can quickly restore them when your data gets wiped out or corrupted by a ransomware attack. Make sure that the hard drive where you store your backups isn’t accessible on the network.

Keep your sensitive/personal information safe

Don’t store your personal/sensitive details, passwords, and other digital documents on your computer. Use an external hard drive, USB stick, or create your own data storage infrastructure. There are so many solutions available in the market. Choose one that suits your needs best.

Anti-malware protection is must

Anti-malware program is one of the best tool to keep the computer and personal information protected. Use an antivirus and firewall program from a top provider and keep them updated. These programs usually come with email filters that can block known phishing emails and a malicious network filter to keep you safe online.

Avoid Phishing Emails

Don’t open files, click on links, or download programs sent by stranger, if you’re not sure about the legitimacy of an email, verify it by getting in touch with the sender directly. Search for old emails from the same sender to ensure that the contact information is authentic before contacting them.

Be Wise About Wi-Fi

If you’re going to be use public wireless Internet. Make sure you use a trustworthy Virtual Private Network (VPN) when accessing public Wi-Fi. If you use a secure wireless network, all the information you send on that network is protected.

Keep yourself informed

“Safety is the best policy”, read the latest trends on malware, phishing attacks, ransomware, and other cybersecurity threats on security websites or blogs. There is plenty of information on the internet.

Last but not the least

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GuruSquad is an established company that provides file synchronization and backup software services. Set up is easy, and just requires you to install the software, select target files and folders, then set up automation functions for backups and syncing. And that's pretty much.

Safety is a Choice You Make

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