In recent years, ransomware attacks have intensified on networks, after all, they are really highly profitable for entrepreneurial hackers.

In short, the term ransomware involves malicious software that uses cryptography to hold the victim's information for ransom. In other words, hackers use ransomware to encrypt key data of a user or organization, thereby blocking access to files such as databases and applications. Consequently, attackers demand payment of large amounts to restore access.

This type of threat, besides causing significant damage and losses to companies, also channels millions of dollars into the pockets of criminals. To find out how to protect yourself from these risks, read on and check out the article that the CodeBlog team has prepared for you.

Why should you worry?

According to a study conducted by McAfee Labs (McAfee's threat research division), there was a 60% increase in this type of attack from the fourth quarter of 2019 to the first quarter of 2020.

It is worth mentioning that attacks on organizations also affect the consumers who buy from them, since the companies' data integrates their customers' personal and financial information.

But the good news is that there are ways to protect yourself against ransomware.

How do I find out the vulnerability of my information?

When an organization is hit by a ransomware attack, it usually identifies and reports the incident quickly, although a comprehensive analysis of the affected areas and the scale of the breach takes more time.

Once all the necessary information is gathered, the company can notify its customers by email, announcements on the website homepage, social media, or even use media outlets to detail which customer data is at risk.

Therefore, staying updated and always attentive to companies' official communications is the most effective way to find out if any of your access points have been affected by a ransomware attack.

How to protect yourself from a ransomware attack?

1. Make frequent backups

If affected by a ransomware attack, the first step is to immediately disconnect all infected devices from your networks to prevent it from spreading and locking more files.

For this reason, it is always important to have backup copies of files, preferably in the cloud. Thus, if hit by ransomware, you can wipe your device without losing the files and then reinstall them.

Besides protecting your data, by making frequent backups, you won't need to pay the malware authors for ransom.

In other words, while the backup process does not prevent ransomware attacks, it can undoubtedly mitigate the damage caused.

2. Change your passwords

If you discover that a company you have interacted with has suffered a data breach or ransomware attack, change the passwords for all your accounts and take the opportunity to create credentials that are hard to crack.

3. Protect your passwords

Speaking of passwords, whenever you create or change a credential, make sure the established sequence is strong and unique.

Using the same password for multiple accounts, although easier to remember, is also a practice that facilitates the action of attackers.

To help you in this mission, there are several password managers that control your credentials and generate more secure login keys.

4. Enable two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication ensures an extra layer of security, as it requests, in addition to the password, an extra form of verification and reduces the risk of identity theft.

Learn more about this feature here.

5. Use only secure WiFi networks

Public WiFi networks are not secure enough to prevent spying and attacks by cybercriminals.

Therefore, the ideal is to install a VPN ("Virtual Private Network") and establish a secured network connection when using public networks.

Basically, VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and disguise your online identity, making it harder for third parties to access and track your online activities.

6. Browse with care

When it comes to the internet, you can never be too safe.

The rules are basic: watch out for the websites you access, be wary of links offering extremely attractive deals, do not reply to emails or SMS from people you don't know, and do not download files or applications from unknown sources.

It is also important to use a reliable antivirus and a security extension on your web browser.

7. Do not pay the ransom!

Last but not least, although ransomware victims are mostly large companies, there is nothing stopping an individual from being the target of a ransomware campaign.

If this happens to you, do not pay the ransom.

No matter how much, in a moment of despair, this may seem like the only way to get your encrypted files back, there is no guarantee that cybercriminals will return them.

Furthermore, paying the ransom also contributes to the development of new ransomware.

Therefore, the most recommended course of action is to make no payment and look for decryption-dedicated resources, developed to help people recover files that were locked by ransomware.

And you, did you already know what a ransomware attack is and how to protect yourself?

We hope this article has been useful for your online protection.

Keep an eye on the Blog of CodeBit and follow the weekly content created to ensure you stay updated on the main technological trends and your protection regarding the greatest risks hanging over the digital universe.

A big hug, and see you in the next post!