No fear of ransomware when you know these 5 security tips

no-fear-of-ransomware-when-you-know-these-5-security-tips photo 1

Ransomware is raising a ruckus today, claiming computers and data big time. If you go by the ransomware statistics, 54% companies in the UK have been attacked by ransomware and the number is 47% of the US companies. The most alarming bit is that criminals are into developing around 50 new versions every month and they have not left any of the platforms untouched- be it Android or Linux or Mac. And, yes, the average ransom demand also shows a lofty leap from the past year. What was $294 in 2015, has doubled up to a staggering $679 this year!

What is ransomware?

In simple words, ransomware can be defined as a form of malware that sneaks into a computer, encrypts files and keeps them on hostage till the user agrees to pay a sizeable ransom. It will enter a device as Trojan in the camouflage of a simple normal file which is downloaded unmindfully by a user. As you download it, the malware will start to encrypt your files and then send a message notifying that your files won't be decoded unless you pay the ransom. If you fail to pay your ransom, it may result in heightened ransom amount or complete removal of encrypted files.

But then, you still have a gateway here. The 5 tips mentioned below will show you how to beat ransomware attack on your computer and PC.

  1. Get data backup

Your digital data is the lifeblood of your business and the ransomware baddies know about your vulnerability. No wonder, they unmindfully put massive ransom on your kidnapped data, knowing that you would be ready to go to any means to get back your data treasure. This is why, it's advised to go for a solid data backup routine so that you are no more compelled to give up to those evil folks. The smartest thing would be to count on cloud backup as data on cloud is protected from any disaster and mishap- assuring fast data recovery. Moreover, with cloud backup, you can access the data anytime and from anywhere.

  1. Antivirus and firewall

This is another important tip when it comes to avoiding ransomware attacks. Remember, the more protected your PC is, better are you're your chances of eliminating data kidnapping risks. So, please get anti-virus and firewall protection for your computer. Add as many security layers as possible. Make sure to invest in highly reputed anti-virus solutions.

  1. Keep your security updated

Just installing anti-virus won't be enough. You have to make sure to update it over time as the ransomware criminals are always on the lookout of bugs in security solutions. Once they find any loophole, they would sneak their way into your computer. So, don't forget updating the security solutions on time as updated solutions often come up with previous bugs fixed.

  1. Ad blocker would be handy

Ransomware peeps into your computer mostly through apparently innocuous ads which you click on without any such apprehension. This is why, it would be better to install ad blocker in your computer so that all malicious ads get blocked before they can reach up to you.

  1. Don't click on suspicious emails

Most of the ransomware attacks are the reason of unmindful clicks on spam email. So, please, do not click on any email that looks suspicious. Also, do not pay attention to emails from unknown senders. If you get any suspicious or email from unknown sender, simply delete it the moment you see it.

It's true that data kidnappers are a smart bunch but show them you are even smarter with these 5 tips.

Recommended stories

More stories

How to Rotate a Video on Android

There’s a war going on out there. You won’t see it on the news, you won’t read about it in the paper—but it’s happening. It’s a hard-fought war that many of us never think about: the war against improperly oriented video. Got a video that’s showing up sideways? Here’s how to rotate that video 90

How to Rearrange Your Mac’s Windows With a Keyboard Shorcut

When it comes to arranging windows, macOS is lagging behind…well, Windows. On Microsoft’s operating system, you can easily arrange two applications so they both take up half the screen, which is perfect for things like researching and writing at the same time. On macOS, though, you need to do any