Imagine waking up to find your computer screen displaying a warning message saying, your files are locked, encrypted, and inaccessible. A ransom note pops up, demanding payment for the decryption key. This is the unwelcome reality of a ransomware attack, a cybercrime that’s become increasingly sophisticated and prevalent in recent years.
Ransomware is a type of malware that takes your data hostage. It encrypts your files, making them impossible to access without the decryption key held by the attackers. These criminals then demand a ransom payment that costs from a few hundred dollars to thousands, and often in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, for the key’s return. If you don’t comply, they threaten to destroy your data or even release it publicly.
The primary motive for ransomware attacks is financial gain. Cybercriminals see businesses and individuals as easy targets, willing to pay hefty sums to regain access to their critical data. However, some attacks are motivated by political, social, or personal reasons. One of the most popular examples of this is the NotPetya Attack which happened in 2017, where the attack intended to disrupt Ukrainian organisations and was suspected to be politically motivated. Check out our blog on NotPetya attack.
Attackers employ various tactics to infiltrate your system and deploy ransomware. Some common methods include,
- Phishing emails
Deceptive emails with malicious attachments or links can trick you into downloading ransomware onto your device. - Social engineering
Attackers may exploit your trust through phone calls, texts, or social media to manipulate and trick you into clicking on malicious links and downloading ransomware. - Software vulnerabilities
Outdated software with unpatched security holes can be exploited to gain unauthorised access and deploy ransomware. - Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) attacks
Weak RDP configurations can be used as a backdoor to access and infect your system.
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some ways to protect yourself from ransomware attacks.
- Regularly update your operating system, applications, and firmware to patch security vulnerabilities.
- Using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication makes it harder for attackers to breach your accounts. This results in revealing your sensitive data such as banking details, phone numbers, and addresses and also allows the attackers to install malware into your system which could lead to a ransom attack.
- Having a reliable backup ensures you can restore your files even if they’re encrypted by ransomware.
- Investing in cybersecurity solutions such as antivirus software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems can help prevent malware from infiltrating your system.
However, there is no 100% secure system in the world, and it is possible that you or your organisation may fall victim to a ransomware attack. If you ever become that unlucky, below are some incident response plans you can consider when facing a ransomware attack.
- Isolate and contain the affected device
Disconnect your infected device from the Internet immediately. This prevents the ransomware from spreading further and encrypting more data. If you suspect other devices on your network might be compromised, disconnect them as well. - Seek expert help.
Don’t do it alone. Contact your local cybersecurity agency or a trusted IT professional (cyber divisions of law enforcement agencies can also be useful). They can provide expert guidance and assistance in navigating the recovery process. Remember, these professionals have seen it all and are equipped to help you bounce back. - Explore recovery options
Don’t rush into paying the ransom! Paying the ransom does not guarantee the restoration of files and may encourage future attacks. Depending on the severity of the attack and your backup situation, there might be alternative ways to regain access to your data. Your cybersecurity expert can assess the situation and advise you on the best course of action. - Learn from the experience
After facing the attack, take some time to reflect on what happened. What vulnerabilities allowed the attack to occur? How can you strengthen your defences to prevent similar incidents in the future? Consider investing in cybersecurity solutions like antivirus software to strengthen your digital security.
As the spectre of ransomware looms larger, understanding its nature and preparing defences become paramount. Regular data backups, comprehensive security measures, and proactive cybersecurity education are the first-hand safety measures for you against this growing cyber threat.
