Ransomware attacks are one of the most significant problems organizations in the USA face while ensuring cybersecurity. According to cyber security San Marcos experts, ransomware attacks were not so prevalent even a decade ago. Yet, new technology was being developed to destroy it. Throughout 2019, ransomware attacks became three times prevalent across the nation. It became a common problem to all organizations, which made the cybersecurity experts look into the matter more carefully.
Fortunately, there are several ways of stopping these attacks or at least mitigating the chances of severe damage. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) planning play a crucial role in eliminating the chances of financial losses or other forms of damage from a cyberattack.
What is Ransomware Attack?
Ransomware is malware or malicious software commonly used by cybercriminals. If ransomware affects a computer or network, it can get full access to the system’s data. Most cybercriminals demand ransom money from the organizations in exchange for releasing the hacked data. Organizations that want to ensure optimum cybersecurity, can enforce security software to eliminate ransomware attacks.
How to Successfully Prevent Ransomware Attacks?
Ransomware can attack both individuals and organizations. If an individual or an organization has already been attacked by ransomware, there are three steps they can initiate:
- They can choose to pay the ransom to cybercriminals.
- They can try to remove the malware.
- They can try to restart the device to get access.
If an individual or an organization seeks to prevent a ransomware attack, they should enforce security software.
Two Types of Ransomware:
1. Locker Ransomware: This type of malware makes the computer completely or partially inoperable. It blocks the basic computer functions so that the user gets denied access to the desktop. Usually, the users get partial access to the mouse and keyboard so that the criminal can continue to interact with the user and demand ransom. However, locker ransomware usually does not target critical files of a computer. By attacking with locker ransomware, most criminals want to lock the user out and demand ransom.
2. Crypto Ransomware: A comparatively dangerous malware, this one target to encrypt important data of a computer. In this type of attack, the users can see their files but cannot access them. Crypto criminals often blackmail the users to delete their files by adding a countdown. Users who do not create cloud backups or any other forms of backups often have to pay the ransom due to panicking.
Conclusion
Between the two types of ransomware, crypto-ransomware can have a devastating impact on individuals and organizations. Locky, WannaCry, Bad Rabbit, Jigsaw, and CryptoLocker are some popular names of ransomware that affected a vast number of users in the previous years. Therefore, to prevent such issues, one can contact the experts from cyber security San Marcos and ensure complete protection of data. The experts can also help the users to estimate the size and extent of the attacks. Accordingly, they suggest the best way to protect the computers or networks from further hacking.
