01/10/2021
Independent sources report that ransomware attacks have increased by nearly 500 per cent since the start of the pandemic. This is mainly because remote working environments (home-based) have been the most popular choice for organizations to carryout their operations during the pandemic and this increases the risk of a successful ransomware attack significantly. This increase is due to a combination of weaker home IT setups and a higher likelihood of users spend more time on the internet.
Those who are new to this conversation, Ransomware is a form computer program that encrypts a victim’s files then demands a ransom from the victim to restore access to the data upon payment. However, it’s never advisable to pay any ransoms because you will likely end up losing both files and ransom money.
Please find X-Gene IT’s Ransomware prevention guide below:
1. If you’re an organization,
a) consider storing your files in a reputed cloud storage – not only this will protect your files from ransomware but increase file availability and overall productivity.
b) Reevaluate your backup plans, disaster recover plans with your IT support service providers and ensure they are up to date.
c) Develop a mechanism to sanitise incoming files from both trusted and un-trusted sources.
d) Educate staff about ransomware.
e) Distribute access to folders and files appropriately, never have more access to data than they truly need.
2. If you’re an individual,
a) increase your folder access security.
E.g. turn Controlled folder access” feature on for windows 10 users.
b) Save your important files in multiple storage devices (ideally not interconnected devices). – storage devices are not expensive these days.
c) Create system restore point more frequently than before.
d) Make sure your windows updates and anti-virus software are up to date.
e) In case if you become a victim of a ransomware, stop using your PC/Laptop immediately (this can increase the possibility of recovering files) and have it checked by a professional for a possible recovery of your data.
f) Stop downloading software cracks, serials, pirate copies from the internet. – programmers around the world put their hearts and souls into developing these softwares and please don’t be hesitant to purchase them legally.
