What is Ransomware?
This is a type of malware that encrypts and blocks your data. The hackers then send you a message saying they will give you back access only if you pay a ransom. It is easy to discover if your computer has been infected with ransomware: the programme often pops up on your screen or beside specific files, often with the file suffix changed.
How can you protect yourself against ransomware?
- Focus on your passwords – long and complicated passwords and multi-factor authentication will make it much harder for hackers to access your accounts
- Regular updates – software, antivirus and other programmes – try to update your devices regularly
- Antivirus with functional ransomware protection – installing first-rate antivirus programmes with scanning and monitoring of all devices is a great solution
- Beware of suspicious files – ransomware is often part of phishing e-mails containing suspicious files; always be on your guard
- Backup your data regularly – by backing up your data regularly on external disks or cloud storage, you reduce the chance of your important data being lost
- Basic advice for backing up your data:
- Rule 3-2-1, at least 3 copies on 2 different devices, of which at least 1 should be outside the organisation.
- Have your backed-up data accessible offline (external disk); in the case of cloud.
- Test the restorability of your backed-up data to avoid any surprises.
- Set up a reasonable frequency for backing up data.
- Basic advice for backing up your data:
Should ransomware be reported?
Contact the Czech Police and National Cybernetics Office. Do not hesitate to contact the incident response teams of some renowned cybersecurity companies as well.
To pay or not to pay?
The answer is not as simple as it may seem at first. Paying the ransom does not mean the hackers will decrypt any of your data.