As we all know that the internet has a plethora of knowledge as well threats along with it. The internet is not entirely safe as it was before. So you need to take proper care of this. Ransomware is not a regular malware that can infect a system and cause minimal damage. Ransomware can severely infect not only your system but the essential files and documents that are most important. We can say that Ransomware captures a system and transfers or blocks all the data to the host computer. In a normal ransomware attack, there is a high risk of losing all the confidential data one has on his computer. So if you’re confused about keeping an anti-ransomware software on your system, then you’re in the right place. Let’s get started.
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What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is malware that targets the files and documents of one’s system. It blocks access of the user to the data and materials, making them unusable. After that the injector demands for a ransom. Ransom means a way to extort money. Then after paying the amount, the ransomware injector decrypts the files. If the user is unable to pay the payment, then the files are locked forever.
The amount demanded as ransom can range from a few dollars to cybercriminals ranging to BitCoins. In familiar terms, we can conclude that the primary purpose of Ransomware is to block access to the files and folders of the user. And in exchange for the key of the documents, he asks for a hefty amount. Now let’s go to understand the risk.
How Ransomware Works?
The most common type of ransomware injection is Phishing. Users are sent to unauthenticated websites that cause ransomware attacks on the PS. Another one of the main reasons is installing applications from unknown sources that results in fatal virus and Ransomware. Most of the time, this has been seen that before a ransomware attack takes place, the computer of the user is often made so slow that the integrated security software is not able to do much. They are resulting in an inevitable attack. Most of the time, these attacks are of no use as some users with new computers can simply format it out of their systems.
Another most important thing we have noticed that users are not at all aware of the security risks to their computers. They simply surf the web without having any potential feeling of having an attack. This feeling leads to a deadly attack that is sometimes irreversible. We have also seen in some cases that the criminal or the attacker pretends to be some kind of law enforcement firm and some times threaten the user to leak their private data online. To know more about all sorts of precautions and malpractices of Cyberattacks.
Understand the Risk
Not all the ransomware attacks carry the same level of risks. Some carry less while some have relatively high risks with them. Actually, the risks associated with these attacks lies with the type of confidential and valuable information your computer has. If your computer has low priority files and documents. Sometimes is panic caused during an attack is comparatively very high then the data in stake. So first of all, after an attack, you need to be calm to think. Is that data that important that I may need to pay 500 dollars? Or should I simply format the thing out of my computer?
Thinking about all these relative terms will definitely bring you to a conclusion. But the case is different with leakware. Leakware is a kind of ransomware attack where the user is threatened that if the user is unable to pay the required amount. His data or private belongings will be leaked on the internet. This time it is complicated to make a decision here. So think wisely. But the most important thing to learn is why to let this happen. You can always use your common-sense to stay protected from these problems of malware. Also, there are various ways to protect your PC from Ransomware. We will discuss that below.
Protection from Ransomware Attacks
Now we will discuss risk management and protection from ransomware attacks in detail. So here we go
Air Gap
Air Gapping is the technique to disconnect the online storage such as cloud or network hard drive from the network. This technique allows the backup to be safe from attacks, thus safeguard your data. By keeping the backup devices out of the network, you can protect your data.
Windows Defender
The proprietary antivirus software form Windows comes loaded with tons of security features that include Ransomware protection as well. You can search in security settings of the Defender to locate Ransomware Protection and enable it. By default, it is disabled since the real-time protection can help to protect your PC from any phishing sites and block installation from unknown sources. So go and check out for this feature.
Common Sense
As it is popularly said, common sense isn’t common. That’s the case with most of the internet users. They force themselves to be unauthenticated and untrusty sites that can cause Phishing and lead to significant attacks. So we advise using their simple common sense to understand the outcomes and results of such operations. And if your computer has necessary and valuable files, it is always recommended to be careful about that.
Anti-Ransomware Softwares
Anti-Ransomware Softwares are a great way to stay out of Ransomware. Some of the standalone anti-ransomware software are Acronis Ransomware Protection, Check Point ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware, and Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware Beta. This software help detecting the Ransomware, then they quarantine them or stop them from affecting the computer. At last, you can open these applications and check which application were they and at last remove them.
Removal of Ransomware
If you have an infected PC, then the removal of Ransomware becomes essential. So follow the steps below to continue with the removal process.
- Restart your computer in safe-mode
- Uninstall any unknown software from programs and features menu
- Try to install an anti-ransomware software that will help you with that
- Then scan for malware again
- Further, you might need to restore your device to a previous point or reset it.
- Sometimes a fresh installation can also be needed.
The thing after doing this is to keep in mind that your computer is now free from malware. But still, your essential files and folders are encrypted that makes them unreadable by the computer system. Unlocking them is not at all possible without the decryption key that you will find from the attacker itself. So this seems underwhelming, but that’s the only option. So the best thing here is prevention from such types of attacks.
Do You Really Need Anti-Ransomware Software?
The much-awaited answer to this question is somehow yes. You really an anti-ransomware software for your PC because every time you are not going to check for Ransomware in your PC, so you need something to track for them in the background. And as we discussed common sense, when someone is in a hurry to find something, he might not think so much before proceeding. So it is always wise to keep an anti-ransomware software ready on your PC and keep a proper backup of everything.
We hope our guide was helpful to you. If you feel the same, or have any queries or feedback, please comment down below with your Name and E-mail ID. We will get back to you as soon as possible. Likewise, check out our iPhone Tips and Tricks, PC tips and tricks, and Android Tips and Tricks for more such tips and tricks. Thank You.