Every innovation is a tool that can be used for either good or bad. The technology that has established the presence of humans on the internet has been a revolutionary one; enabling us to connect and do business in a way we couldn’t have imagined 100 years ago.
However, that same technology also comes with risks that can put unsuspecting internet users in financial and social danger. One of such ways the technology has been turned into a weapon of mass destruction is called ransomware attacks. There are a few different ways that cybercriminals can carry out these attacks. Here are a few to be aware of and ways you can prevent them from happening.
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Phishing E-Mails
One common method is to send phishing e-mails that contain malicious attachments or links. If a user opens the attachment or clicks on the link, their computer will become infected with the ransomware.
Exploring Software Loopholes
Another common method is to exploit vulnerabilities in software or websites to install ransomware on a victim’s computer. Once again, the ransomware will then encrypt files and demand payment for decryption.
Malicious Advertisements
Ransomware can also be spread through malicious advertisements on websites (known as malvertising). When a user clicks on the ad, they may inadvertently download and install the ransomware.
Examples of Popular Ransomware Settlement Payouts
There have been many companies that have had to pay ransomware settlements. These payouts that have been remarkable either by their impact or the amount paid to the attackers. Here are some that made the news:
- CWT Global, a US travel agency, once paid $4.5 million to attackers, an amount said to be the highest reported so far
- Fuel supplier Colonial Pipeline once paid $4.4 million as ransomware payout settlement after their operations were grounded to a halt by the attack.
- University of California, San Francisco has also suffered a ransomware attack before. They had to drop $1.14 million in settlement payouts.
Ways To Prevent Ransomware Attacks And Settlement Payouts
There are a few things you can do to reduce your chances of falling victim to an attack or paying out massive sums of money in a settlement.
1. Regular software updates
Make sure that your computer’s security software is up to date and that you have a good antivirus program installed. This will help to protect your computer from brute force attacks and simple viruses. Attackers do capitalize on loopholes that are in outdated software, and by keeping your software up to date, you can stay ahead of the situation.
2. Vigilance
Be careful about the e-mails you open and the websites you visit. Don’t click on any links or attachments unless you are sure they are safe. This should also be made a habit among staff. Staff should also be trained on how to identify potential threats of ransomware and how to report to the appropriate department.
3. Install Spam Filters and Ad Blockers
Most ransomware attacks are sent randomly to internet users. They can be in the form of e-mails or an unsolicited ad on a malicious website. A good strategy is to even prevent the messages from getting delivered. A spam filter, for example, stops messages from unrecognized sources from getting into your inbox.
4. Invest in Backups
Consider investing in a good backup solution. This way, if your files do become encrypted, you will be able to restore them from a backup. This will serve as wise insurance you can personally invest in to prevent the loss of your files or paying attackers. With a good data backup system, data held by ransomware becomes useless to the attackers.
More Ways to Prevent Settlement Payouts
If all the above fails, your last resort might be investing in a good cyber insurance plan. Cyber insurance will help you mitigate the financial fallout from a ransomware attack and help you get back on your feet much quicker. Above all, it is important to stay vigilant and invest in up-to-date cybersecurity measures.
