In this article you will discover the most effective methods to protect your computer from ransomware.
Ransomware virus infection which encrypts files from computer hard drives has become a global problem and is the most serious form of malware, causing the greatest damage.
Yesterday (12.05.2017) the biggest one took place cyber attack with the type of virus. Called WannaCry or WannaCryptor, by those from ESET, the virus affected tens of thousands of computers from countries over 100.
Affected by the ransomware infection were: government institutions, hospitals, mobile phone companies, electricity and natural gas supply companies and from many other fields. All reported huge losses and delays in service delivery following the damage caused by file encryption by this ransomware virus.
We have already published an article in March 2015, about this type of virus and gave some tips about As can prevent the spread of PCs.
To think that there is a 100% safe method would be to deceive ourselves. From experience we tell you that over time, there has not been a measure / software to ensure the long-term security of a system, at least on Windows. We do not think they would like it. Always or security breaches occur, always interested companies producing anti-virus will be to have these breaches Safety. But this is another discussion, starting from the idea that since 2015, when ransomware was still in "pioneering", a large-scale attack with this type of virus was reached in 2017. How many nK dollars and euros will be invested in security software after this attack? ;-)
If you are a "home user" and you don't want to have such a "surprise", the measures you can use to protect your computer from ransomware are simple.
Waiting can you say that first you must have a antivirus software updated (and with a license), and again Windows to be updated regularly. Not. In addition, you should pay attention to what sites you access, what links you open and especially what download attachments in e-mail computer.
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Here are the specific measures you can take to protect your computer from ransomware
In order to greatly reduce the chances of your PC being infected with a ransomware virus, as I said above, the first thing is to be careful when you surf the Internet or when you receive messages with attachments on e-mail.
1. Install a strong antivirus program and update it frequently. Make sure your antivirus program detects and removes ransomware.
2. Do not open files attached to suspicious emails, direct messages on social media or other unknown sources. Even if the message apparently comes from a friend, collaborator or business partner.
3. Do not install programs or applications from unsafe or unauthorized sources. Antivirus software can't always detect the newest ones modethem of ransomware.
4. Regularly update the operating system and programs installed on the computer. Many software manufacturers release updates that include security patches which can help prevent infections. This is one of the most important measures you can take to protect your computer from ransomware.
5. Use strong passwords and avoid using the same passwords for multiple accounts. Ransomware can try to brute force passwords to gain access to your systems and data.
6. Use a firewall to block unauthorized traffic from the network or the Internet.
7. Create backup copies of important data and keep them in a safe place. The backup copies can help you recover the data if they are encrypted by ransomware.
8. Watch for warning signs of a possible ransomware attack, such as unexpected file changes or computer slowdowns. If you notice such signs, immediately disconnect from the network and request help from information security professionals.
The most common ways to infect a PC are through e-mail, especially where they are used. Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird or Windows live Mail as a client. Never enter your e-mail never download atasemente automatic email server.
Do not open links if you do not check first source sender. Find here some information on how to do this.
Another method of infection it is through the sites that offer "software premiumWithout his license serial (license key). These are the sites called "cracks". Try as much as possible to install on your system only the programs that are really useful to you, and those to be downloaded from the manufacturers' sites.
When you install a "broken" program, besides the fact that it is illegal, no one can guarantee that the hacker who made the changes to run it without a license, did not make other changes to create "entries" in your PC.
What should you do if your PC infected with a ransomware virus
1. If you are asked for a sum of money in exchange for decrypting the files, DO NOT do this. You risk throwing away the money for nothing, and in addition, you might be left without the card data. More recently, Bitcoin payment is required.
2. Disconnect the PC virus in local network. LAN is very possible that if a laptop in the house is infected, the virus to expand to other computers on the network.
3. Search the Internet sites and communities trust offering solutions decryption ago ransomware infection.
4. In case they were encrypted key data and have not found a solution to decrypt them Not formatted hard drive. Giving up the encrypted data is not choice but if your budget will not allow the replacement hard drive infected.
Replace hard disk- the virus and wait until the decryption software appears to solve its problem. It's a matter of time.
