The rise in ransomware attacks has posed some serious concerns about our own strategies for protecting a company’s data and reputation. Prevention is better than cure. We pay for the best systems and gadgets, but we do not want to spend a dime more on protecting our devices and data. The question is how can we make sure that we will not be victims of these crimes. It is not easy, but it is not difficult too.
The first thing we need to realize is if we have an updated version of the antivirus software. The antivirus protects your system from an unwanted activity and sends you signals to make sure that you are aware of the problem. It is a good way of making sure your computer is protected. But at the same time, it is important to upgrade your antivirus. Failing in doing so may result in a malware attack.
Next comes the use of a firewall. A firewall is a software used to maintain and monitor the data of a system. A firewall doesn’t let any other person or software enter the system without authorization. The firewall actually blocks out your system from the outside world and scrutinizes the data that comes it’s way properly before letting it get in the system. It is generally important when you use public Wi-Fi and browse the web a lot.
The third step is training your staff and people around you to not open any email that comes their way without verification. The most common type of malware attacks is through phishing and pharming. They use the website pages or images to make the email or pop up to look authentic and then persuades the user to click on it to get into your system. Proper training in this area is absolutely necessary to avoid losing your data.
Just in case you do get attacked, do not pay the attacker. Paying the attacker is making him think that you are an easy target and will pay through your nose to protect your data. The attacker may come back for more or may refuse to unlock all your files until you pay more. In some cases, the attackers have also passed on sensitive information to other hackers who have misused the data.
These are the few steps you may take to protect your computer system:
- Go offline immediately and stay disconnected until you figure out the problem.
- Do not switch off your system as it may result in losing your data. Keep your system on and do not restart too.
- Inform the network provider about the malware activity.
- Use the backup tools to restore your files and data. It will take time, but in some cases, the malware just decrypts parts of a file.
- Update your system regularly. In doing so, you will be helping your business or company from future ransom problems.