5 Ways to Avoid or
Defeat a Ransomware
Infection
POSTED 12:08 AM, SEPTEMBER 01, 2015 , SPONSORED BY CARBONITE
'Ransomware' is any virus that infects a computer, encrypts files and
threatens to render them useless unless the victim pays money for a
key code that decrypts the information. Some of the most famous
ransomware viruses are known as Crypto viruses. Examples include
CryptoLocker—which was considered to be one of the biggest IT
security threats of 2013—CryptoWall,TorrentLocker, CryptoDefense,
and the list goes on.
Ransomware viruses typically demand that ransom be paid in the form
of bitcoins, digital currency that is difficult to trace. But remember,
paying the ransom by no means ensures that you'll get your files back.
We are dealing with criminals, after all.
The key to avoiding or, if necessary, defeating a ransomware infection
is to be vigilant and prepared. Here are five quick tips for avoiding or
overcoming a ransomware infection:
1. Back up your files!
While all of the following tips may be
somewhat effective, none of them are
foolproof. That means you need to be
prepared to deal with a ransomware
infection if it happens. The answer is to back
up your files regularly. It's a surefire "Plan B" should efforts to protect
against ransomware viruses ever fail. Creating backups of home
computers and business servers is a must.
The best backup system is one that works automatically in the
background. It's also important to use a backup solution that can be
rolled back to a specific date. That will allow you to effectively go back
in time before infection occurred and retrieve clean versions of your
files. The good news is that Carbonite can do all of this and more.
2. Use extreme caution when clicking on links inside of email
Ransomware viruses are often spread by
malicious HTML links found inside emails.
Attackers use email "phishing" techniques to
trick people into thinking that the email is
coming from a trusted sender. The victim
believes the link will take them to a safe
website. But instead it leads to a malicious site designed to spread
ransomware. If you're going to click on a link inside of an email, make
sure you're absolutely certain who the email is coming from.
3. Beware of email attachments
It's not just the links inside emails that you need to worry about. You
also have to be extremely careful when clicking on email attachments.
That's why you should never, ever click on an attachment from an
unknown sender. Even if you think you know the sender, you should
still be careful. While some malicious emails are easy to spot,
attackers are getting smarter all the time and will use every trick in the
book to ensure that you are fooled. For example, some emails may
look like a harmless request from a business partner, or a notification
from your bank. Do your best to confirm that the email is valid and
safe before opening on any attachment.
4. Keep your firewall and security software up to date
Check regularly to make sure your firewall and antivirus software are
updated and working properly. While security software vendors can't
guarantee complete protection, updated security software and firewall
protection is the first line of defense. Security vendors do their best to
spot and remove phishing attempts and are often effective. But keep
in mind that new threats pop up all the time.
5. Set clear information
security policies and educate
users
Education is key—especially in
business environments. If you
want to protect your business
from ransomware, it's important to set clear information security
policies related to emails, links, and attachments. Then communicate
the policies to employees regularly. Educate employees about the
threat of ransomware, and the importance of remaining vigilant when it
comes to email.
Remember, the most important step is to protect yourself before
you become a victim.