Ransomware is malicious software that employs encryption in holding data to get a ransom. It has been used successfully over the years by hackers. Its primary purpose is extortion of money from individuals while promising to restore their data.
This malware works by exploiting security loopholes in your device through your vulnerable software. Additionally, it tricks its potential victims into installing it. This malicious software is used to majorly target vital institutions such as the police department, public schools, and hospitals. Recently, it gets used to attack personal computers. Below are the ways that you can use to prevent malicious software.
Do Not Click On the Links That Are Not Verified
When you are using websites that are unfamiliar to you or junk email, do not click on the links. The downloads which get initiated when you click on such links can lead to the infection of your computer. The software will prevent you from using your operating system and lock you out of your data once it gets into your computer.
When it has taken over your computer, it will demand a ransom to enable you to retrieve data. You may be tricked to pay to gain control of your computer. However, it is not a guarantee that the perpetrator will let you gain access to your computer.
Avoid Opening Suspicious Emails And Attachments
Email attachments are one of the ways that ransomware can use to gain control of your computer. When you get the attachment in your emails from untrusted senders, avoid opening them. Crosscheck to see the email sender and verify the email address.
Before opening the attachment, ascertain if it is genuine. When you think that it is not authentic, engage the sender. Take caution from viewing accessories that require macros for you to see them. When you open the infected attachment, you will give the malware access to your computer.
Download From Trusted Sites
When you want to download a media file or software, perform the task from a site that you trust. Doing this will minimize the chances of downloading malware. Learn to use reputable, trusted, and verified sites when doing your downloads.
Secure websites have distinct markers. A secure site has HTTPS in its search bar while a vulnerable one has HTTP. Additionally, a secure site has a padlock on its address bar.
Furthermore, downloads over the phone should be over a secure site. Android users should download their apps through the Google Play Store. An iPhone user should download their applications through the App Store.
Do Not Share Your Data
Do not share your private information with strangers over the phone, on social media, or through emails. When you share, you may give cybercriminals a chance to try to encrypt your data before they attack.
When you share your personal information, it may be used to send you infected email attachments that specifically target you. When you open the accessories, you will be vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Protect the vital data that the perpetrators may use against you by not sharing it.
When a company contacts you and requests your data, do not give it away. Instead, independently contact the company through their customer care to verify the authenticity of the information.
Scan And Filter Your Email Contents
To protect yourself from attacks, employ filtering and scanning of your email contents. you will reduce the risk of infected junk email attachments or suspicious links getting sent to your email.
Avoid Using Alien USBs
When you do not know the origin of a USB or any retrievable storage machine, do not plug them into your computer. More often, cybercriminals infect the USBs and other storage devices and leave them in open places. When you use them on your computer, they may affect it and give cybercriminals access.
Periodically Updates
Regularly update your device’s operating system and software. Updates will protect your device from malware. You will benefit from the latest security updates when you do regular updates, and it will be difficult for the perpetrators to exploit the vulnerability of your software.
Use Secure Networks
When you are using open Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network(VPN). Public networks make your computer vulnerable to attacks. When sharing sensitive data or personal information, avoid open systems or employ a secure VPN.
Backing Up Of Data
You would be safer in case of a cyberattack if you backed up your data. When you are backing up your data in external storage, copy everything and do not connect it to your device when you do not need it. When you leave it connected, you may lose all your data. You can also use cloud storage to back up your data.