What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to your company’s computer systems until a monetary ransom is paid, usually in the form of BitCoins. There are several different types of ransomware but all of them are designed to prevent you from using your computer until the ransom is paid. In many cases, the ransom demand comes with a timer or deadline and if you do not pay before the deadline, your data will be destroyed. Even if you choose to pay the requested ransom, there is no guarantee that you will actually get access to your computer or data. Paying the ransom will often result in becoming a target for more attacks to get more money from you.
How do you get Ransomware?
Ransomware is usually distributed by email, social network messages, and infected websites. What we have seen most of the time is that ransomware is distributed via a “phishing” attack, in which you receive an email designed to look like it came from someone you know or work with. The email will most likely contain an attachment or web link that downloads the ransomware onto your computer and runs the malicious code.
How do I protect myself from Ransomware?
Backing up your computer is the most reliable method to recover from a ransomware attack and reduce the amount of data loss to the business. Anti-virus/anti-malware scanners can help prevent an attack but it is still possible for ransomware to get through protection and infect your computer. The best way to protect yourself is to plan ahead and backup your computer regularly. Dynamic Solutions Group can set up a cloud backup for you that will automatically backup and protect your data or verify your current backup to make sure it will cover you in case you get ransomware. Backing up your computer ensures that if/when you get infected, you can restore your data from your last backup and reduce the extent of data loss. If your computer becomes infected with ransomware and you don’t have a working backup you will likely lose everything on your computer or be forced to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars to recover your critical data.
What should I do if i get Ransomware?
If you suspect that your computer is infected with ransomware you should contact your internal IT support or Dynamic Solutions Group immediately. Time is of the essence as the longer you wait the more data that will be encrypted and possibly lost for good. We will work with federal and local law enforcement when necessary. We will work with their forensic technicians to verify your systems aren’t compromised in other ways, help gather information to better protect you going forward, and try to find the source of the attack.
