Ransomware is an attack that locks a computer as well as its data. Ransomware hackers usually ask for a ransom to restore data.
Cybercriminals typically target businesses and governments, in hopes of paying a ransom. This is to avoid disaster in society, in case sensitive data is accidentally released to the public.
So, what to do if your device is hacked by ransomware? Reported by CNN, according to cybersecurity experts, the rule of thumb in dealing with ransomware is not to give up.
“Even if you pay the ransom, there’s no guarantee you’ll get your files back,” said Darren Shou, Chief Technology Officer at NortonLifeLock, a leading cybersecurity company. “In fact, paying encourages more criminal activity.”
Shou said criminals expect victims’ “emotional response”, namely to act quickly to pay.
Ransomware cases are indeed on the rise. Shou asserted, for consumers and enterprise enterprises, NortonLifeLock has seen a 35 percent increase recently. There were 537,137 ransomware detections out of a total of 919 million total cyber threats blocked by Norton over the past 100 days.
Still reported by CNN, if it happens to be attacked, experts recommend disconnecting the computer from the network, such as turning off Wi-Fi, and on other devices. Then do an online search to determine the type of ransomware that attacked the device. Then, look for some information on the hijacked computer screen, and maybe take a photo as a backup as well. Sites like No More Ransom, may be able to help by matching the ransomware with a free tool to remove it. While it may take some trial and error, there are some free decryptors to use from trusted sources, which can also run anti-malware software. Alternatively, the victim can take the locked computer to a trusted technician to try to decrypt the files.
Shou insisted that to immediately get as much information as possible. “Victims should also report crimes, as it helps law enforcement and investigators find perpetrators and prevent future attacks,” he said. Shou says to keep reporting crimes, even after paying.
Prevention Tips
For prevention tips, of course is a strong device defense. The software is smart and can help minimize the chances of a ransomware attack.
Proactively install anti-malware cybersecurity software on all devices and don’t let it expire at the end of the year. NortonLifeLock, for example, has a variety of options, starting at $39.99/year. Then, delete suspicious emails and text messages, from banks, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), credit card companies, and so on. Never click on links that lead to fake sites asking for personal information. Phishing scams always try to “lur” victims to sites that look genuine. In fact, organizations like banks or the IRS will never contact via email and ask to immediately confirm personal or financial details. On a related note, never click on an unexpected email attachment. Only download apps from trusted sources, such as the Microsoft Store (for Windows 10), the Mac App Store (for Mac users), the App Store (iPhone, iPad), or Google Play for Android devices and Chromebooks. Don’t forget to update apps and operating system completely. If possible, set it to automatic updates.
“Just as we need to perform routine maintenance on our cars and homes, we should also perform device maintenance, such as updating software,” advises Shou.
Lastly, regular backups are also very important, be it an offline solution, such as an inexpensive external hard drive, solid state drive, or thumb drive. You can also use online cloud services, such as iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, and so on.