Your Sacramento Cyber Experts
Ransomware is an increasingly prevalent cyber threat throughout the world. During a ransomware attack, Attackers hold a PC or files hostage and demand owners pay a ransom to get their files back.
Ransomware is transferred just like a normal computer virus, through email attachments, file transfers. Another way ransomware is transmitted are dirty USBs or downloads from websites. While there is a misconception that having anti-virus software is enough to stop ransomware from occurring, this is not the case. Having anti-virus software is not enough to stop the highly evolved ransomware attackers.
What to do if you get attacked:
Immediately disconnect from the network & WiFi! If you suspect you are a victim of ransomware but have not seen the ransomware screen yet, you may be able to stop it before it can complete the encryption of your files. If you disconnect IMMEDIATELY, it may diminish damage.
Best ways to avoid an attack:
- Verify that you back-up your data. This is the single best way you can protect yourself. If you have a back up, if you become a victim of ransomware, you can just revert back to an earlier version of a document.
- Show hidden file extensions. An approach some attackers take is with files that have hidden extensions such as “.PDF.EXE,” since your computer usually has a default setting of not displaying the full file extension.
- Filter “.EXE” files in your email. It may be a good option to filter or deny emails with “.EXE” files, if your mailbox has that capability. As a result, this will ensure you do not open an email with a possibly encrypted file.
- Invest in cybersecurity. Significantly, this includes antivirus and active monitoring. Above all, use layering applications designed to prevent malware attacks, such as ransomware.
If you have questions about Ransomware or how you can amplify your cybersecurity, let us know.
Contact your Sacramento Cyber Experts through our Helpdesk. We are here to help!
Information provided by the Microsoft Security Portal.
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About the Author:
Trofholz Technologies is a Woman-Owned; Veteran-Owned Small Business located in Sacramento, California, just a short drive from downtown. Since 2002, Trofholz has developed a solid performance reputation securing critical infrastructures by successfully completing multiple large, enterprise systems for federal clients across the nation and overseas. This federal experience provides our local California state and commercial clients with a small business vendor that has large scale experience. We specialize in Physical Security, Information Security, and related IT Services. Our team ensures that we meet all regulatory compliance and mission ready requirements to protect critical infrastructure assets. With a dedication to quality, Trofholz is devoted to maintaining and constantly improving our ISO 9001:2015 Certification and customer satisfaction.