Ransomware: What It Is and How to Protect Yourself

A type of malware that locks your files and demands payment. Regular backups and strong antivirus software are your best defense here.

RECOGNIZING THREATS

3/12/20253 min read

What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is one of the most dangerous and financially damaging types of malware. It encrypts your files, making them inaccessible, and then demands a ransom payment (usually in cryptocurrency) in exchange for the decryption key. Even if you pay, there’s no guarantee that cybercriminals will restore your data.

Ransomware attacks target individuals, businesses, and even hospitals and government agencies, often causing severe financial losses and operational disruption.

How Does Ransomware Work?

  1. Infection: Ransomware infects your device through phishing emails, malicious downloads, or exploit kits.

  2. Encryption: Once activated, it locks files, folders, or entire systems using strong encryption.

  3. Ransom Demand: A message appears demanding payment (often in Bitcoin) to regain access.

  4. Threats & Deadlines: Attackers may threaten to delete or leak your data if you don’t pay within a certain timeframe.

Types of Ransomware

1. Locker Ransomware 🏴‍☠️

  • Blocks access to your device but doesn’t encrypt files.

  • Often targets system functions, preventing users from accessing their operating system.

  • Example: Police-themed ransomware falsely claims illegal activity and demands a fine.

💡 Prevention Tip: Keep a strong firewall enabled and use a secure admin account with limited privileges.

2. Crypto Ransomware 🔐

  • Encrypts your files and demands a ransom for the decryption key.

  • Targets documents, images, databases, and other essential files.

  • Example: WannaCry (2017) affected 200,000+ computers in 150+ countries.

💡 Prevention Tip: Regularly back up your files to external drives or cloud storage.

3. Double Extortion Ransomware 💣

  • Encrypts data AND threatens to leak sensitive files unless the ransom is paid.

  • Example: Maze Ransomware first encrypts files, then uploads stolen data to the dark web.

💡 Prevention Tip: Use data encryption tools to protect sensitive data before an attack happens.

4. Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) 💻

  • Cybercriminals sell ransomware kits to other attackers, making it easier for anyone to launch attacks.

  • Example: REvil and DarkSide ransomware groups offer RaaS to affiliates.

💡 Prevention Tip: Train employees and family members to recognize phishing attempts.

How Ransomware Spreads

🚨 The most common ways ransomware infects devices:

  1. Phishing Emails & Malicious Links 📩

    • Fake emails trick users into clicking infected attachments or malicious links.

    • Example: A fake email from "Amazon" says your account is at risk and asks you to log in via a fake page.
      ✅ How to Stay Safe: Never open unexpected email attachments or click suspicious links.

  2. Infected Websites & Malvertising 🌐

    • Some ransomware spreads via compromised websites or fake ads.

    • Example: You visit a website, and an ad auto-downloads ransomware in the background.
      ✅ How to Stay Safe: Use a secure browser and install ad blockers like uBlock Origin.

  3. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Attacks 🔑

    • Hackers guess weak RDP passwords to gain access to a system remotely.
      ✅ How to Stay Safe: Disable RDP if you don’t need it, and use strong passwords & 2FA.

  4. USB Drives & External Media 💾

    • Malware spreads through infected USBs or external drives.
      ✅ How to Stay Safe: Always scan USB drives before opening files.

  5. Software Vulnerabilities & Unpatched Systems ⚠️

    • Outdated software can be exploited to install ransomware.
      ✅ How to Stay Safe: Enable automatic updates for your OS and software.

How to Protect Yourself from Ransomware

1. Back Up Your Data Regularly 💾

✅ Use external hard drives (offline backups).
✅ Store backups in cloud services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox.
✅ Follow the 3-2-1 Backup Rule:

  • 3 copies of your data

  • 2 different storage types (cloud & external drive)

  • 1 copy stored offline (so ransomware can’t access it)

2. Install Strong Antivirus & Anti-Ransomware Software 🛡️

✅ Best Security Software:

  • Bitdefender – Excellent ransomware protection.

  • Malwarebytes – Detects & removes ransomware before it activates.

  • Norton 360 – Includes antivirus, firewall, and ransomware protection.

3. Enable Strong Passwords & Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) 🔑

✅ Use a password manager (e.g., Bitwarden, 1Password, LastPass) to store complex passwords.
✅ Enable 2FA on banking, email, and cloud storage accounts.

4. Keep Your Operating System & Software Updated 🔄

✅ Install security updates as soon as they’re available.
✅ Enable automatic updates on Windows, macOS, and your web browsers.

5. Be Wary of Phishing Emails & Suspicious Links 📩

✅ Look for spelling errors and urgent language in emails.
✅ Always verify sender emails before clicking on attachments.
✅ Hover over links to check if they lead to legitimate websites.

6. Use a Firewall & Disable Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) 🚧

✅ Keep your firewall enabled to block unauthorized access.
✅ If you don’t use RDP, disable it to prevent hackers from accessing your system remotely.

What to Do If You Get Infected with Ransomware

🚨 If ransomware locks your files, DON’T PAY THE RANSOM!

1️⃣ Disconnect from the Internet – Stop the ransomware from spreading.
2️⃣ Use Backup Data – Restore from an offline or cloud backup.
3️⃣ Scan Your System – Use Malwarebytes or Bitdefender to remove ransomware.
4️⃣ Check Ransomware Decryption Tools – Some ransomware has free decryption keys available online (e.g., No More Ransom Project).
5️⃣ Report the Attack – Inform local cybersecurity authorities (e.g., FBI’s IC3, Europol, or Cybersecurity Agencies).

Final Thoughts: Stay One Step Ahead of Ransomware 🚀

Ransomware attacks are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, targeting individuals, small businesses, and large organizations. However, by taking proactive security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

🔹 Regularly back up your files to offline storage.
🔹 Avoid clicking suspicious links in emails or messages.
🔹 Use strong security software to detect ransomware before it activates.
🔹 Keep your software updated to prevent vulnerabilities.
🔹 Educate your family or employees about ransomware threats.

By following these cybersecurity best practices, you’ll stay ahead of hackers and keep your files and personal information safe from ransomware attacks. 💪🔐

Digital iNSIGHTS