To put it before you, there was a time when viruses were not that prominent, or we say, they didn’t proliferate at an accelerating rate. Wily cyber criminals came up with one virus at a time and took around 2-3 years to diffuse it. Those attacks were not that massive as well. They would only affect the speed of the computer or removed may be a few files from it. Perhaps, these facets made it relatively easier for researchers to draw a permanent solution for all those viruses.
But gone are the days of those tiny attacks. And now we see gigantic Ransomware attacks. Ransomware, strongest of all malware until now, encrypts files and data on a system or simply locks out a user from system access. Unlike the older viruses, Ransomware appears with its new variants in about every new week (at times, this time varies with each day). Most conventionally, it has been attacking individual users’, enterprises, hospitals, schools and other many other organizations.
Ransomware has used new tactics to foray users. Until now, Ransomware has used these maneuvers to masquerade with users’ system.
- Emails: Cyber Criminals attach these variants in emails. The malware program is generally attached in a JavaScript or MS document, Zip files, and Self-extracting executable files. As soon as the user click or open these files, Ransomware is transmitted to the system and infects it. CryptoLocker, Locky, Klepto Zepto, TeslaCrypt (which has been defunct lately) and Petya Ransomware have been using emails as their way to infect systems.
- Open-source Platforms: One of the most prominent Ransomware has been KeRanger. This is the same Ransomware that could infect Macs. It found its way via an open-source platform named Transmission. Same way, SamSam Ransomware attacked Windows users via JBoss, an open source vulnerability. These kinds of Ransomware look for a vulnerability in the platform and then transmit the exploit kit.
- Malicious Advertisements: Advertisement is another subject for Ransomware attacks. These ads are apparently seen on porn websites, along with other websites with heavy traffic. Criminals attach an exploit kit in these ads. With each click on it, Ransomware is passed on to the user’s system. CryptoWall Ransomware is amongst that Ransomware that spreads via poisoned ads.
- Fake Flash Player Installers: Flash Player installers are the slyest way to attack users. Ransomware using Flash Players as their means to attack systems, infect systems silently. It is transmitted when users’ attempt to install a flash player. ZCryptor Ransomware has been of the Ransomware which uses this approach.
Tips to Prevent Ransomware Attack
- Backup your data: An old saying says, “Prevention is better than Cure”. Same way, your data backup plans are better than paying off the ransom. You should backup your data at cloud storage, the safest of all means. This can quickly be done with Right Backup app. The app is handy and an easy solution to all malicious attacks.
Right Backup offers the following features:
- Quick data backup on cloud storage.
- Speedy and swift restoration.
- Anywhere- Anytime access to files
- In-built scheduler to create backup automatically
- Protect your Mailbox: As we know, your web and mailbox are the key for Ransomware. You should rather protect it with antivirus or ad block extensions. This will help you get away with the Ransomware coming through email and advertisements.
- Disconnect from the Server: Ever since Petya Ransomware and others come through the network, you can halt it by disconnecting with the server. This way, the infection will not take place and your system & data will remain safe.
- Keep your software updated: Outdated software helps Ransomware by providing a vulnerability. You should update all your software and offer least possibilities to Ransomware for any kind of outbreak.
- Decryption Keys: We would say, many researchers are struggling hard to come up with effective decryption keys in order to break Ransomware attacks. For instance, Locky Ransomware removal has been targeted. Although there is no certainty that these keys work. But you can try out, it might work for you.
These are the tips to keep Ransomware at bay. And we must say that you should take prior precautions than to fall prey to Ransomware. For this reason, you must backup your data and stay secure!