A popular internet fraud that occurs during the holiday is ransomware attacks. A ransomware attack is a type of malware that stops you from having access to your device data. The biggest ransomware attacks often happen during the holiday, thus, knowing how to reduce the risk of ransomware is important.
Companies of all sizes are defrauded year in and out, especially during the holidays. Cybercriminals become more active and their growing tactic is ransomware attacks. If this attack is prevalent, then how do ransomware attacks happen? And more importantly, are there ways on how to prevent ransomware attacks?
Yes! And that is what the article seeks to explain.
Understanding How Ransomware Attacks Work
To properly understand how to prevent ransomware attacks, you must understand how it works. For a ransomware attack to be possible, there has to be an initial point of entry for malware.
How the malware enters your device can vary. It can occur through files that you download from the internet. It can also occur when you accept files from corrupted drives through a USB transfer. Other ways include phishing emails, exploiting software vulnerabilities, or using stolen credentials, often targeting weak points in the network security.
Once the malware is in your device, it serves as the “inside agent” for the cybercriminal to hack in. The attacker moves through your device network, gains access to sensitive data and determines which files to encrypt.
The next thing is to encrypt those files and render them inaccessible. You will need a key to decrypt the file with a key. Immediately, you will receive a note, demanding a payment, usually in cryptocurrencies, to regain access to your file.
The most valuable asset, to individuals and companies, is data. Losing it could cause irreversible effects that could lead to distrust or cost an entire operation. Protection of data is therefore the best way to avoid ransomware attacks. Even if you get your data/files back, the fact that they have been exposed imposes a lasting fear.
How to Prevent Ransomware Attacks During the Holiday
Luckily, there are several ways on how to prevent ransomware attacks. Some of the points below can help you in preventing the rampage of ransomware attacks during the holidays, and even after the season.
Keep All Systems And Software Updated
As the holiday sets in and every individual and business gets ready for the busyness, updating your devices is one way to prevent ransomware attacks.
Ensure that you update your operating system, web browser, antivirus and any other software before you get head-locked into activities. Ransomware is always evolving and so OS and antivirus software are always enhancing their security.
Cybercriminals often target outdated versions of Microsoft Windows, which is why several security experts advise regular updating devices. This is one of the top ways to prevent ransomware.
Install Antivirus Software & Firewalls
Sophisticated antivirus software is the most common way you can prevent ransomware attacks. How does antivirus prevent ransomware attacks? They work by regularly scanning your device to detect any malicious files.
Once this file is detected, the antivirus immediately attacks it by either deleting the file or keeping it quarantined. These antivirus are built to detect malware, including ransomware. However, it is also very important that your antivirus is updated regularly. But what about preventing ransomware from gaining access to your device? That is where firewall protection comes in.
Firewall Protection
Firewall protection is always the first line of defence against any incoming malicious file, including ransomware. It can protect from both software and hardware attacks. When your firewall is well protected, it can easily map and block suspicious files from entering the system.
Regular Data Backups
Another very easy way around ransomware is to back up your data, either on an external drive or on a cloud server. This doesn’t directly fall into the book of “how to prevent ransomware attacks” but even when your device is attacked, you can simply walk away. You can simply wipe your device, uninstall the software affected or clear your OS completely. Ideally, organizations should be backing up their most important data at least once per day.
There is also a popular rule to backup your files, the 3-2-1 rule. You try to keep your data in 3 different locations, on 2 different storage types with 1 copy offline.
Network Segmentation
One nature of ransomware is to spread across different files and systems very quickly. Once you notice ransomware on a device, it is important to limit the spread. Implementing network segmentation divides the network into multiple smaller networks. This will enable you to isolate the ransomware and prevent it from spreading to other systems.
During this holiday, other things that you can try to prevent ransomware attacks are:
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- Email Protection
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- Endpoint Security
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- Security Awareness Training
Collaborating with Johan Consults to Mitigate Ransomware Risks During the Holiday
While internal measures like employee training and software updates can help, working with cybersecurity experts provides an added layer of protection against ransomware attacks. Cybersecurity specialists possess the expertise and tools to assess vulnerabilities, implement advanced defences, and respond effectively to potential threats.
For businesses in Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania, Johan Consult stands out as a trusted partner in cybersecurity and data protection. With a deep understanding of the local business landscape and laws, Johan Consult offers solutions that address unique regional challenges.
Conclusion: Take Action Today to Avoid Ransomware Attacks
The holiday season brings a spike in ransomware attacks, but you don’t have to be a victim. Implementing the strategies discussed are first step for you and your business. However, partnering with experienced cybersecurity professionals ensures your business is fully protected.
Johan Consult is your go-to expert for cybersecurity and data protection in Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania. With a proven track record and several successful partnerships, we guarantee solutions that give you peace of mind while allowing you to focus on growing your business during this season.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Safeguard your business today! Visit johanconsults.com/consultation/ to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward a ransomware-free future.
Your business deserves robust protection – Johan Consult is here to deliver it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can antivirus detect ransomware?
Yes, antivirus can detect ransomware, but not all. The effectiveness of an antivirus depends on the capabilities of the software and the sophistication of the ransomware attack. A less sophisticated antivirus won’t detect an advanced ransomware attack.
How can I stay cyber-safe during the holidays?
To stay safe during this holiday you should only buy from trusted online retailers. Ensure you avoid websites you’ve never heard of as much as you can. Think before you click. Also, do not open emails from unknown senders.
How can we stay cyber-safe while travelling?
According to NCDIT, avoid using the public network for sensitive activities, like shopping, banking or sensitive work. Also, look out for sites that begin with “https://”, that or nothing.
