Ransomware is a word that is often used in the digital world, and it has grown to be one of the most infamous kinds of malware. WannaCry, one of the largest ransomware outbreaks in recent history, has infected over 30,000 systems in 150+ countries. Cyber security companies and organizations are overwhelmed by the proliferation of ransomware, which each has its own unique code, making it difficult to have a one-size-fits-all response. By developing and distributing the virus, malicious hackers are amassing millions of dollars.
There are, however, many steps you may take after a ransomware assault on your computer or system to avoid a recurrence of infection. In this article, we’ll discuss what you should do if you’re the victim of a ransomware assault and how to prevent future attacks.
How do you become a victim of ransomware?
The most current version of ransomware is distributed through email attachments. Additionally, you may get ransomware through a compromised website, which the owner may be unaware of. Using pirated software, peer-to-peer networks, and software key generators, among other methods, may infect your machine.
How to respond to a ransomware attack
Once you discover that you are unable to access your system, take these steps:
Disconnect the system from the network
If your workstation is connected to a network, the first step should be to halt the ransomware’s propagation. Remove any infected machines from the network to prevent your network from being infected.
Investigate unusual file extensions
Today, the majority of ransomware variations rename your files with extensions that match the ransomware’s name, for example, .locky, .zepto, and so on. Additionally, the ransomware generates README.html and README.txt files with the malware authors’ instructions. To determine the scope of the assault on your system, look for these files and extensions.
Determine the source
To get an understanding of the ransomware assault, you need to first locate the affected machine. In most instances, identifying the source of an infection on your computer is as easy as inspecting the characteristics of infected files and determining who owns them.
How to protect yourself against ransomware attacks
Ensure your computer is secure against ransomware by installing an original copy of the operating system and staying current on system updates. Additionally, it is recommended that you maintain backups of your data on an external device or the cloud. In this manner, a ransomware assault will not do you significant damage.
To summarize, you can alter your online behavior. Put a stop to downloading files from unknown senders; avoid clicking on links in spam emails, and so on. Take it a step further and disable plugins that you seldom use.