![]() Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts data or locks up systems until the victim pays a ransom. If the worst should happen, remember that ransomware is a crime, and you can report it via the resources mentioned on the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency website here.SonicWall recently released their mid-year 2022 Cyber Threat Report.Īccording to their report, ransomware attacks as a whole have decreased through the first half of the year by 23%, while healthcare specific ransomware attacks have actually increased a shocking 328%. Check with the service you're using for details.Īs with any security threat, it's impossible to 100-percent guard yourself against ransomware, but the steps outlined here should help minimize the risk. When it comes to cloud backup solutions, many now offer file versioning features ( Dropbox Rewind, for example)-they roll back your files to a previous point in time, which can be really useful in the event of a ransomware attack, because it means you're able to revert to the state your data was in before it got encrypted. Make sure at least one of your backups is only occasionally connected to your main system, or that whatever backup solution you choose has revision history, so you can go back to before the attack took place. ![]() If your backup is within easy reach of the malware program that's locking your files, then you'll be faced with encrypted backups as well as encrypted files. An external hard drive, a cloud syncing service-they'll all do as long as there are copies of your files out of reach of the ransomware attack.Īnd that last caveat is an important one. The third part of keeping yourself protected against ransomware is to make sure you back up your computer and other devices regularly. Make sure you use strong passwords that are different for all of your accounts (ideally through a password manager) and that you've turned on two-factor authentication everywhere-that means that something else (such as a code sent to or generated by your phone) is required to log in to your accounts in addition to a username and password. ![]() While ransomware is typically targeted at systems and the files on them, with the right username and password bad actors can also get at your files in the cloud, encrypt those, and hold them for ransom. The threat is very real no matter who you are-so how do you protect against it? While it started out as a problem for home users, it has now spread to become a problem for businesses, and several high-profile attacks have recently targeted government agencies and infrastructure companies. Ransomware isn't particularly difficult to develop or deploy, and it's profitable. In some cases you might be locked out of your system completely, along with any other systems on the same network. ![]() ![]() The damage can quickly spread across computers and networks. Malware is used to encrypt your files (in some cases even double-encrypt them) so they require a specific key to be unlocked. There are a few variations on the theme, but it's usually very recognizable. That's where the name comes from- ransomware attacks literally hold your data for ransom. Not only do you have the potentially disastrous consequences of being locked out of your most important files and systems, you also have to decide if you're willing to pay cold, hard cash to get access to them again, if you even get access after paying. From taking down entire fuel pipelines to hijacking hospital networks, it's the cyberattack du jour. Move over viruses, step aside worms: Ransomware has the spotlight and isn't about to give it up. ![]()
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