We know: technologies have taken our world by storm, for better or for worse. If some individuals make a positive use of new technologies and their possibility to store information, some use it for malicious purposes. This is the case of some hackers using ransomware attacks.

This phenomenon has contributed to reveal the fragility of our computer systems as well as our deep ignorance of these objects that we handle on a daily basis. Among other things, the massive arrival of telecommuting in our lives over the past few years has created several opportunities for ransomware infiltration.

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware that infiltrates your computer and has the distinction of demanding financial compensation from the victim to unlock their attacked files or their own computer functions. It attacks important data that can potentially negatively influence the reputation of an individual or group.

Ransomware targets sensitive information and denies users access to data that belongs to them. Attacks of this type are known to encrypt files and personal data, sometimes even using a system that blocks access to the entire computer. As the name suggests, ransomware takes your data and files hostage, which you can recover in exchange for a sum of money, often demanded in bitcoins.

In addition to blocking access to files and information, most ransomware attacks threaten to disclose the extracted data, which can damage the reputation or privacy of individuals.

How does ransomware work?

Most of the time, ransomware attacks work because they appear credible. For example, they make an individual believe that by clicking on the link, they can avoid being defrauded by their bank. This makes it all the more important to educate yourself and learn about ransomware attacks and cybersecurity in order to spot the signs of a potential attack or possible malware.

Ransomware gets in by infecting your computer and blocks you from accessing your own information. To get your data and file access back, the attack demands a ransom. In addition to the loss of files, within your organization, a ransomware attack causes considerable financial and time losses in addition to affecting your credibility with your customers.

What are the main ransomware attacks?

Ransomware can take many forms:

• Untrusted advertising;
• E-mails;
• Suspicious links;
• Booby-trapped attachments or websites;
• Running an insecure application;
• Fake antivirus software.

How does ransomware get in?

Ransomware infiltrates any security hole, such as uncompleted updates or irregular backups. Often, it targets weak links, such as users with weak passwords or those less familiar with ransomware attacks. Attacks are becoming more sophisticated over time, targeting even more sensitive information that can force users to pay a ransom.

What are the consequences?

• Loss of data or files;
• Time-consuming;
• Loss of credibility with customers, breach of trust;
• Damage to reputation and brand image;
• Financial loss.

How to reduce the risks of a possible ransomware?

Obviously, it is impossible to avoid every possibility of a ransomware attack. Nevertheless, here is a short list of good habits to implement to prevent this type of attack:

• Perform all your updates;
• Regularly perform a secure backup that is kept off-site;
• Educate your employees! Offer cybersecurity training, as ransomware attacks also target individuals;
• Create complex passwords that don’t relate to your personal life and replace them often;
• Use a reliable firewall and antivirus software;
• Avoid illegal websites or pages;
• Avoid using an account with administrative rights when checking your personal email;
• Turn off your devices when not in use;
• Segment your networks, isolate their different uses: in case of a ransomware attack, all your files will not be affected, this will reduce the damage;
• Assign access rights only to the people mainly concerned, to avoid any potential breach in data protection;
• Instill a culture of cybersecurity and raise awareness among your employees and by increasing the vigilance of key users.

You can’t “over” protect yourself to prevent ransomware attacks! By combining all these security techniques and cultivating a cyber security mindset, your chances of suffering losses from this side are greatly reduced, even though there is no guarantee of a breach where hackers will infiltrate.

How to recognize a potential attack?

Ransomware attacks are becoming more and more ingenious and credible. They infiltrate system vulnerabilities to infect your computer and block access to your files. It’s crucial to keep an eye out for signs that may tip you off to malicious intent.

• Adding a suspicious suffix after the clickable link;
• Linking to a pornographic or illegal website;
• Remittances from an account you do not have;
• A known institution contacts you about a problem with your payments and invites you to click on a link.

As soon as you have any doubts about a link, email or call, take the time to talk to your colleagues or superiors. Prevention is better than cure!

What to do in the event of a ransomware attack?

In the event of a ransomware attack, it is important to avoid panicking and acting too quickly. You need to handle the situation calmly and rationally. Here are the golden rules to apply in case of a ransomware attack.

• Remove your devices from their internet/network connection;
• Keep evidence of the attack;
• Try to identify the origin of the attack;
• In the event of an attack on your computer system that poses a real risk of serious harm, you should notify any organization or government institution that may be affected.

In summary, it is important to be well-equipped against these types of insidious digital attacks that are targeted at loopholes that are often well known to cybercriminals. It is essential, especially in a corporate context, to be informed and to take advantage of the simple actions listed above. It is essential to train and educate your employees about the dangers of ransomware attacks and their solutions.

As cybersecurity specialists, we are THE reference to help you in your approach to cybersecurity and the implementation of devices to keep your operating systems as far away as possible from ransomware. Contact our specialists!