How to avoid ransomware attacks? Check out these easy tips that are tough to foil

Cybercriminals transfer ransomware through malicious links and apps without letting users know and steal data. Here’s how you can prevent your system from falling prey.

Here is how to prevent your system from falling victim to ransomware attack. (Pixabay)

As the Covid-19 pandemic made industries opt for work from home and step into the digital world, the network risk and cybersecurity risk also increased in conjunction. From breaching personal data to official data, these invisible threats made organizations victims of cybercrime. There are several types of cybersecurity threats and one of the most reported threats is ransomware. It is one of the malicious software that hackers install to a system through a link or an app to steal data. Once installed, it prevents users from using their computer. To get access to the computer again, users are required to pay a large sum of money. It usually attacks big organizations. According to IDC's “2021 Ransomware Study,” nearly 37% of global organizations were reportedly the victim of some form of a ransomware attack in 2021.

There are several types of ransomware, but the pattern is almost the same- attackers install a malicious program onto a computer or network server that encrypts some or all of the data on the system. The attackers then demand a ransom, usually in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, to free the computer or entire systems. The criminals send a decryption key that frees the data only after ransom is paid. Here are some of the ways that can help you to mitigate the threat of ransomware

How to save your system from a ransomware attack?

1. Stay current with Patches and updates

Programs and apps release periodic updates and patches to deal with security vulnerabilities. Installing these patches and updates will reduce the threat of ransomware attack. Many software programs come with automatic updates, so It is best to set your organization's devices to receive these upgrades without any delay. It will reduce manual effort and the time spent patching all systems across the organization and save the enterprise from a vast number of cyberattacks.

2. Backing Up Data

If your system has become a victim of ransomware attack, there is little you can do without the encryption key from the hackers. So, prepare before hand. Try to use a cloud-based storage solution or a server without a direct network connection to keep your data safe. You can restore data this way, and it may be a much better option than paying the ransom.

3. Always have an antivirus software installed on your system

The attackers are aware of the dangers posed by the network and hence create malicious code to hack your computer or other devices. However, you can protect your system by installing an antivirus software and keep updating them regularly.