What Is Ransomware And How Can You Avoid It?

According to Checkpoint, the newer versions of ransomware can be traced back to the infamous WannaCry outbreak in 2017. A huge and well-known attack revealed the potential profit from this malicious software. This strike on the cyber world has paved the way for more ransomware to be created and developed. 
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This article will help you better understand what ransomware is, how to prevent it, and the steps when there's a sudden attack. 

Ransomware And Variant Samples
Ransomware is malware software designed to block users or companies from accessing their files and data. It is like abducting the information you have on your computer and asking ransoms to give you back access. It can be inside email attachments, ads, links, etc. 

Anyone can be a target of ransomware. As long as your computer has access to the internet, it can easily navigate through the system. However, hackers can also choose a specific victim who can pay more ransom for the hostage information. The more unfortunate thing about this situation is sometimes, there's no guarantee of decryption even if you pay the ransom. 

There are six common ransomware variants. First is the targeted ransomware Ryuk. The first variant that combines data theft and encryption is Maze. Revil targets big organizations. There are also Lockbit, DearCry, and Lapsus$. 

Prevention
Having known what ransomware is, here are the things that you can do to shield your computer against this malware: 

• Create backup storage for your data.
• Invest in protection software. 
• Keep your software and system in general updated. 
• Be careful on clicking questionable files and websites. 
• If possible, avoid using public Wi-Fi. 
• Don't insert unsecured flash drives on your computer.

What To Do When The Ransomware Is In Your System?
If ransomware has attacked you, you can take steps to get your data back. One is to pay the amount the cybercriminals have been demanding. However, the downside to this option is that there are untrustworthy hackers. So, the chances of getting it back are not 100%.

Moreover, you can also opt to remove or delete the malicious software through decryption tools. Lastly, you can reset your device to its factory setting. 

Conclusion
Cyber threats globally have evolved into many variants. So, cyber security insurance is a must for your company or yourself. It should cover the expenses of recovering your data once you've been attacked. 

At CSIS Insurance Services, Inc., we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We will go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (888) 501-2747 or Click Here to request a free quote. Any coverage discussed is not guaranteed. Please contact us today to go over your policy to ensure your needs are met! We are here and happy to help.