What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is when malicious software compromises your computer or mobile device, taking your sensitive personal data hostage. By doing this, cybercriminals encrypt your data and demand a ransom in exchange for the key to decrypt the data.
Another form of ransomware is when a cybercriminal blocks certain functions on the device and demands a ransom to restore control. In most cases, the ransom is being requested in the form of cryptocurrencies. However, they usually don’t comply after it has been paid.
Business owners and employees, especially in industries working with confidential data, are more attractive to cybercriminals because the more sensitive the data is, the bigger the demanded ransom.
Ransomware infects devices through phishing emails containing malicious attachments.
- For instance, an employee might click on an attachment in a phishing email, thinking it is an important document. Ransomware gets installed into the device and starts encrypting files, folders, and hard drives.
Through ransomware attacks, cybercriminals are trying to compromise the integrity of businesses in the hope of forcing the company to pay a high ransom.
Recommendations
There are various ways you can ensure your data and personal information stay safe and secure.
- Know how to recognize and stay aware of how ransomware is spread.
- Familiarize yourself and your employees with what phishing emails look like and how to avoid clicking on suspicious links and attachments.
- Ensure you are expecting an email attachment and recognize the sender before opening it.
- Refrain from visiting fake websites and clicking on malicious links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
- Remember to back up your data on other secure devices.
- Update your devices and apps to up-to-date software that uses the latest security and anti-ransomware technology.
By going the extra mile to follow these simple security steps, your data is more protected, allowing for more efficient and productive growth.