Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files and holds them hostage until you pay a ransom. It can be incredibly destructive and costly, which is why it’s important to understand how it works and what you can do to protect yourself from it. With viLogic’s cybersecurity services, we can help you manage, protect, and recover your computer data. Read more about what ransomware is and how it works. Learn about ransomware protection for your business, then check out the services we offer to give you the best in network security.
What Is Ransomware in Simple Words?
Ransomware can damage your computer in a number of ways. First, it can encrypt your files, making them inaccessible to you. This can be incredibly frustrating and costly, as you may not be able to access important data or files. Second, ransomware can prevent you from accessing certain websites or services — disrupting your workflow and making it difficult to stay productive. Finally, ransomware can delete your files if you do not pay the ransom. This is usually done in an attempt to force you to pay the ransom, but oftentimes ransomers will delete your files or leave them locked even after payment.
Ransomware is a destructive type of malware that should be avoided at all costs. Ransomware Protection before an attack is key for all businesses. If you think your system may be infected with ransomware, it’s important to run a scan with an antivirus program. You should also avoid clicking on links or opening attachments in emails from unknown senders. If you do become infected with ransomware, do not pay the ransom. Instead, contact a professional to see if they can help you recover your data.
How Do Ransomware Attacks Happen?
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts data on infected systems, making it inaccessible to the user. Ransomware typically spreads through phishing emails or by exploit kits that take advantage of vulnerabilities on unpatched systems. Once a system is infected, the ransomware will encrypt files on the local hard drive and any connected network drives. The attacker will then display a ransom demand, usually demanding payment in Bitcoin, in order to decrypt the files. In most cases, the attackers may threaten to delete the encrypted data if the ransom is not paid. Ransomware has been around for many years, but it has become increasingly popular in recent years due to the media bringing attention to the success of ransomware attacks.
What Is an Example of Ransomware?
There are many different types of ransomware, but the most common is called CryptoLocker. CryptoLocker is a type of ransomware that encrypts your files and holds them hostage until you pay a ransom. It typically spreads through phishing emails or by exploit kits that take advantage of vulnerabilities on unpatched systems. Once a system is infected, CryptoLocker will encrypt files on the local hard drive and any connected network drives. The attacker will then display a ransom demand, usually demanding payment in Bitcoin, in order to decrypt the files.
Here are a few other ransomware types to be aware of:
- Ryuk specifically targets high-ranking individuals within large organizations through targeted emails.
- WannaCry is a unique ransomware that is able to duplicate itself once it has infected a system. This ability led to a worldwide attack in which hundreds of thousands of computers were infected in less than a day.
- Reveton is particularly convincing, as the ransomware will lock the person’s computer and then send a message claiming it was locked by a law enforcement agency and a fine must be paid to regain access.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself and Your Business From having to pay Ransom
Whether you are a small business owner, remote worker, or a regular person who uses their computer for a variety of reasons, know that your data is at risk of ransomware attacks. However, there are a few key ways you can you can be proactive with ransomware protection. One of the best ways is to regularly back up your data. This way, if you do become infected with ransomware, you can restore your data from the backup and avoid paying the ransom. You should also keep your antivirus software up to date, run regular scans, and opt for a variety of strong passwords rather than just a few that are easy to remember. Finally, be careful when clicking on links or opening attachments in emails from unknown senders.
For best practices, rely on a company that specializes in cybersecurity to protect your data. At viLogics, we support next-generation business technologies by partnering with enterprise tier-one vendors, including VMware, Cisco, and Dell EMC. We also support legacy infrastructures, such as IBM, AIX, and Unix systems. Learn more about the following services by visiting our website!
Ransomware is a destructive type of malware that can encrypt your files, making them inaccessible without abiding by the ransomers’ demands. It can also prevent you from accessing certain websites or services that may be essential to your everyday life, like your bank’s website. Finally, it can delete your files if you do not pay the ransom, and oftentimes ransomers will delete your files or leave them encrypted out of spite. At viLogics, we offer a variety of cybersecurity services that help keep your data secure. Visit our website to see how we can help protect your data and contact us for more information.
