Have you ever wondered why ransomware causes so much inconvenience to Internet users? You probably heard about them from your friends or read about them on the news sites. Perhaps, right now, a pop-up window has appeared on your computer or mobile device screen with a warning about an attack by a ransomware program.
If you want to know everything about ransomware, then you are in the right place. We will tell you about what ransomware software is and what to do when your device is attacked by intruders.
What is Ransomware?
This is a type of malware app that blocks users’ computers or personal files, demanding a ransom for restoring access. The earliest versions of ransomware were developed in the late 1980s – when the ransom was offered to be sent by regular mail. Today, the developers of ransomware programs demand to pay a ransom in cryptocurrency or transfer a certain amount to a credit card.
The best protection against ransomware is good online security. You need to purchase a reliable antivirus program, as well as install a VPN that can filter out some of the threats (if you don’t already have it installed, compare VPN services to find what’s best for you).
Is it worth paying blackmailers?
In case of payment of the ransom, there is no guarantee of data recovery. Sometimes the decryption of ransomware doesn’t work or you lose some of your data. Even if your files are well decrypted, it is likely that you are still infected with malware, Trojans, and keyloggers. Therefore, your system will not be clean and unreliable after the decryption process is complete.
Restore data from backups
One of the best solutions is to restore your system from backups, even if it takes longer. However, this is only possible if you have:
– Reliable backup procedure, ideally with a 3-2-1 backup scheme.
– The established procedure is followed.
– Backups were tested during training sessions and incident simulations. However, the cybercriminals behind the ransomware attacks also have ways to ensure that your backups are infected, too. For this reason, companies need to plan
and protect their backups in a way that guarantees their integrity when we need to use them.
Encrypt important personal and valuable commercial data
If you want to prevent the work of a ransomware program that has already penetrated your computer and can encrypt your files, you need to proceed very carefully. If you notice that the system has started to work slowly for no apparent reason, turn off the computer and disconnect it from the Internet.
If the malware is still active after restarting the system, it will not be able to send data or receive instructions from the command server. This means that without the key or the specified method of extracting information about the payment of malware may still be in standby mode. To gain time, download and install an antivirus program on the infected computer, and then run a full system scan.
Try using special anti-ransomware software
You can also remove malicious software by launching a special program to neutralize it, and then running a scan on the infected computer. You may not be able to regain access to the files, but this way you can clean the computer of the virus.
The first tool you should try to get rid of malicious applications is built-in Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool. Sometimes it is triggered automatically, but if a virus infection has already occurred, the tool is started manually.
One of the most well-known and effective programs that allow you to remove unwanted applications from your computer is AdwCleaner. The advantages of using it include working in Russian, no need to install it on a computer, and constantly coming out updates that improve the quality of system verification.
The Anti-Malware program is one of the most popular solutions for dealing with malicious code that has already got on your computer.
What else can be done in the case of a Ransomware Attack?
In addition to all the steps listed above, we also recommend that you contact your company’s technical specialist first (if you have been attacked in your office). And if this does not help and you are being blackmailed, contact the police office. The main thing in this matter will not be shy, but to provide the police with the most complete information about the case, all correspondence, explain what is captured in the photo, etc. You should not be afraid that the police will spread this information. According to the law, they are prohibited from doing this.
Also, if you are faced with such problems, it is not superfluous to contact a qualified lawyer who will help you understand this situation.
