Tips to Protect Yourself from Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware Attacks have been making headlines after cyber criminals hijacked hundreds of thousands of computers worldwide. A massive cyber attack has claimed more than 200,000 victims in at least 150 countries over the past few days, and officials say the situation will likely worsen.

What is a Ransomware Attack?

Many search for ransomware meaning. So, what is this attack actually about? Ransomware Attack is a cyber attack, where a malicious software known as ransomware, is used to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid to get the access back.

Banks' Advice

In such a scenario, banks Banks have advised everyone to refrain from the use of ATM and Internet Banking facilities for a few days so as to prevent yourself from becoming a victim to ransomware attack. Some other tips:

• Don't disclose any information related to your financial matters to any email, unknown number or even to a call from your bank.
• Don't click random links on the internet or any suspicious link received in an email.
• Don't view any suspicious video on WhatsApp or other social sites.
• Avoid using ATMs and Internet Banking for a few days.

We have some other tips too but before that let us share a graphic by heimdalsecurity which tells us about the damage caused by ransomware.

Other Ransomware prevention tips

We want you to know a few simple ways that can protect you from becoming the nest ransomware victim.

Update your Windows

If your computer (desktop or laptop) works on Windows, you should regularly update it. It is recommended that you allow and install all Windows software updates to ensure that you are running the most up-to-date and secure system.

Do not open unsolicited emails

Especially now that the ransomware attacks are taking their troll over the internet, be careful of what links you open. Do not open any unsolicited emails that ask you to click a doubtful link or to download a file that might be malicious. Doing so might infect your computer as well as the entire network your device is connected to. Fishy emails can sometimes harm your device the most.

Antivirus Software

Antivirus software can help block viruses from being downloaded and prevent malware installation.

Data Backup

Keep a backup of all important data in an external hard drive or online on cloud storages like Google Drive or One Drive. This will save you from the risk of losing your important stuff in case an attack hits your device.

Beware of pop ups

Avoid clicking pop ups because ransomware developers often make use of pop-up windows displaying ads to infect devices. Do not click on anything through these pop-ups and safely close the windows.

These tips are not just for your desktop or laptop, but also for your smart phones.

Do not answer unsolicited messages

Hackers can target your smart phones with malicious links in spammy messages. Do not and by that we mean, do not ever click on those doubting links.