Ransomware is simply a type of malware that gets into your computer and encrypts your files, leaving them unable to be opened afterward. Attackers send this malware via an email attachment, as well as other ways, and once you open the attachment, your files become encrypted. Afterward, they send you a ransom and demand payment before decrypting your files. These scams are illegal, of course, as well as extremely inconvenient on your part. Fortunately, there are ways you can avoid the scams from happening in the first place, and below are a few of them.
1. Use a Trusted Firewall and Antivirus Software
There are dozens of reputable software packages that will detect any type of malware so that you don’t fall victim to these types of scams. Updated antivirus software should always be on your computer, as well as a good firewall that can protect you and will disallow most ransomware from coming through in the first place.
2. Never Pay the Ransom
Never panic and pay the ransom that these attackers demand. This makes them more difficult to find and to prosecute, and the worst part is, paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee that your files will be decrypted once the money is received. Often, it is merely an attempt to get money from you and nothing else.
3. Always Filter Your Mail Servers
Always use content scanning and filtering on all of your mail servers. With the proper software, all inbound emails will be scanned for certain types of threats, including malware, and most of them will block any attachment that could be considered dangerous. This alone could prevent a lot of ransomware from reaching you and prevent a lot of headaches afterward.
4. Take Precautions When You Travel on Business
If you travel for business, let your IT department know beforehand, especially if you’re planning to use any type of public Wi-Fi network. Try to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) whenever you’re planning to use public Wi-Fi so that you can protect yourself from certain dangers and malware.
5. Never Share Your Personal Information
You also need to be extra careful when answering emails, texts, instant messages, or even phone calls. Attackers often try to trick people into giving them this personal information to use phishing scams and send them ransomware attack or other types of malware. Always treat any type of communication as a potential threat, and never provide any type of personal information whatsoever.
