Protect yourself from Biggest Cyber Attack – RANSOM WARE

May 12^th 2017 saw the biggest ever cyber attack in Internet history.A Ransomware named WannaCry stormed through the web, with the damage epicenter being in Europe. Ransomware is a sophisticated piece of malware that blocks the user’s access to his/her files, and the only way to regain access to the files is to pay a ransom.

Ransomware program that gets into your computer, either by clicking on spam mails containing virus files or downloading something which is not secure and then it holds all your data and you need to pay ransom.In the case of WannaCry, the program encrypts your files and demands payment in bitcoin in order to regain access.

Security experts warn there is no guarantee that access will be granted after payment. Some ransomware that encrypts files ups the stakes after a few days, demanding more money and threatening to delete files altogether.

There are different variants of what happens: Other forms of ransomware execute programs that can lock your computer entirely, only showing a message to make payment in order to log in again. There are some that create pop-ups that are difficult or impossible to close, rendering the machine difficult or impossible to use.

Protect yourself from Ransomware

Steps to avoid attacks or protect yourself after an attack:

1. Use reputable antivirus software and a firewall –  Maintaining a strong firewall and keeping your security software up to date are critical. It’s important to use antivirus software from a reputable company because of all the fake software out there.

2. Back up often – If you back up files to either an external hard drive or to an online backup service, you diminish the threat. So Backup of your Data is necessary.

3. Enable your popup blocker – Popups are a prime tactic used by the bad guys, so simply avoid even accidentally clicking on an infected popup. If a popup appears, click on the X in the right-hand corner. The buttons within a popup might have been reprogrammed by the criminals, so do not click on them.

4. Exercise caution – Don’t click on links inside emails, and avoid suspicious websites. If your PC does come under attack, use another computer to research details about the type of attack. But be aware that the hackers are calculating enough to create fake sites, perhaps trying to sell their own fake antivirus software or their de-encryption program.

5. Disconnect from the Internet – If you receive a Ransomware note, disconnect from the Internet so your       personal data isn’t transmitted back to the criminals. Recommendation is simply shutting down the computer. If you have backed up your data, you can re-install software.

6. Alert authorities – Ransomware is a serious form of extortion. “Local police are probably not equipped to deal with this,” explains Siciliano. “However, the local FBI would want to know about it.”

Don’t be tempted to give in and pay the ransom, warns Siciliano. “Paying them would be a mistake because they will further extort you and most likely not release your information.” Taking precautions to protect your information and maintaining vigilance are the best solutions to avoid becoming a victim in the first place.