Around the country, ransomware attacks are growing in number and frequency. In fact, they’re happening everywhere — all over the world. In just one year (from 2019 to 2020), North America alone saw these attacks rise by 158 percent. Worldwide, attacks rose by about 62 percent.
What would happen if your home computer was hit by a ransomware attack? Would you be prepared? Would you be able to recover your files and data?
If you’re not so sure about your answers to these questions, it may be time to take a look at your approach to ransomware prevention. Up ahead, we’ll give you some tips on how to protect yourself from a ransomware attack and other hacker schemes.
But first — let’s define what ransomware actually is.
What Is Ransomware and How Do Ransomware Attacks Work?
Ransomware is a type of malware (malicious software). It usually starts with a phishing scam and works like this:
1. You receive an email. At first, it looks unremarkable. It appears to be from an entity that you trust — like your cell phone company or bank.
The email asks you to do something. It may ask you to click on a link to change your password, download a file to check something, or go to a specific website to carry out another such task. Often, the sender’s email looks totally legitimate — as if it really has come from the person or entity it claims to be. Graphics, greetings, and other features of the email may appear “spot on” or very close to real.
But the email is not from the person or entity that it claims to be from. It’s what’s called a phishing email — a pretend email that intends to make the user (you) do something that will set off a chain of system-compromising events.
2. Let’s say you unfortunately don’t realize that it’s not a real email. In turn, you treat it as if it’s real and click on the link, download the file, or go to the website.
From here, a number of things could happen. The link, download, or site you end up with will probably be empty or show an error. For a while, nothing else may happen, and you may think there was just a fluke.
But if the email truly was a phishing/malware-linked email, your computer and/or data has now already been compromised. That’s because, by clicking on the email, you unwittingly allowed a hacker to access your secure files, email, network, or entire system.
Some malware acts silently and will operate behind the scenes until it becomes known. But ransomware is different.
3. If the phishing email allows ransomware to access your system, you’ll lose access to your network, data, or entire computer. It will then remain locked or compromised. You will probably receive a notification of some sort that you must pay a certain amount of money to X in order to regain access. If you don’t pay within a certain timeframe, the notification usually says that X will delete (or share) your files or screw up your computer permanently.
4. At this point, you have a choice: Will you pay the ransom sum, or will you seek professional IT help to attempt to have the ransomware removed. In some cases, the latter is possible. In other cases, the ransomware cannot be removed, and you’ll have no choice but to pay the ransom or say goodbye to your files and data.
Don’t Take the Risk! Prevent Ransomware Attacks From Happening
By far, the best way to stop a ransomware attack is to never let one happen in the first place. But in order to achieve this secure status, you’ll need the best ransomware protection. This can be achieved in several ways:
- Purchase ransomware security software
- Purchase anti-virus software and firewalls
- Hire a professional to go over your home’s IT security and privacy; if you have a lot of devices and connections, this may be worth it
- Train your other family members (and anyone who uses your home Internet connection or devices) on ransomware awareness and what to do if they suspect a “phishy” email
- Have a plan in place for when suspicious emails come through or other ransomware red flags occur
Unfortunately, it does not appear as if ransomware attacks are going to go away any time soon. Individuals and families must do all they can to protect themselves from these vicious attacks.
In some cases, the hacker wants just a few hundred dollars in exchange for your regained access to files and data, but sometimes, they’ll demand tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Don’t become the victim in one of these scenarios. Protect yourself and your family and assets by taking the steps listed above as soon as possible.
