Protect Yourself From This Major Threat
Ransomware has proven to be the most lucrative attack for cyber attackers in 2021. The best ways to defend against ransomware are all rooted in an approach using prevention, detection, and response.
The types of ransomware and their payloads
On the network layer, malware can range in extent from the classic rogue software to malicious programs intended to take control of a device, to more sophisticated threats which can do more damage.
Historically, malicious software in all forms has relied on the operating system to execute as well as at times to launch the payload. Historically, if the operating system did not allow the malware to execute, it did not get installed. This was especially true with traditional installers like MS Windows or Adobe Flash that relied on network connection.
But with the rise of more secure computing devices like iOS, Android, and Linux, as well as SaaS offerings like Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, and Box, the situation has changed.
Prevention, detection and response
Prevention is perhaps the most important step, but it’s not the only one. Prevention requires ensuring devices are secure from the ground up. That includes using application and operating system updates, limiting access to files on network shares, and taking precautionary measures such as password changes and creating strong passwords. It’s also important to regularly back up your data. A full system scanning feature and information security management software like Netkiller ISMS + Full Scan are paramount to defending against these threats.
Detection begins with identifying unusual behavior in your network. For example, if your system, or even an application, behaves abnormally or appears to be tampered with, it’s a good indication you have a cyber threat. You should then either take steps to isolate and analyze the threat, or contact the proper authorities.
Prevention
Prevention starts with remembering to patch your systems regularly and avoiding outdated software. Additionally, if you have been victimized by malware, you can usually recover some of your files through the backup and recovery features built into Windows.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on suspicious emails and website links, so you can avoid falling victim to malware that comes disguised as important messages.
As soon as ransomware begins to encrypt a victim’s files, ransomware software will then propagate itself by looking for other vulnerable systems to infect. This is how it gains the ability to encrypt files.
Detecting an attack is difficult for the software developer, so it is often left to the victim to detect ransomware activity.
Detection
When the malware has already gained entry into your computer, it is easy for attackers to hide by introducing the malware into hidden folders.
One way to detect the presence of malicious software in hidden folders is by using a standard tool like Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. You can easily scan your hard drive for suspicious files using this tool.
Cleaning and disinfecting the infected computer is another way to counter ransomware. This is an easy-to-do process that can be done from your browser. Also, there’s a trick to protect your data with Google Workspace.
Conclusion
The world of ransomware can be confusing and is ever-changing, which is why retaining the services of a cybersecurity firm that has partnered with Google Workspace, such as Netkiller, is an excellent step to make sure your system stays secure. You aren’t alone – many people dedicate their time and effort into building programs to defend against these types of attacks, and Netkiller has been a Google partner for more than 12 years. We understand the approaches and defenses used to protect all systems, from large scale enterprises to small businesses. Don’t wait until it is too late; a little bit of prevention is much less expensive than trying to clean an infected system and recover destroyed files.