Ransomware is a type of malware (a computer virus) which encrypts (or deletes) a victims data until a payment is made to the attacker, before such data gets restored. It is one of the most potent security risks trending today. According to statista, organisations worldwide suffered ransomware attacks, accounting for 68.5 percent of the total ransomware invasions in 2021, which is alarming.
There are ethical hackers, and then there are other ill-meaning hackers who really do a lot of harm, by programming dangerous applications which are capable of wipe off all the data in your mobile phone if you ever get to install such apps. These destructive applications also called malware apps can be found across the web. However, these said apps are mostly screened out of reputable online app stores with the likes of; google play store, apple app store and amazon app store. This is because there is a lot more malware monitoring across the popular app stores. You should follow these tips to avoid ransomware attacks which can cause data loss, emotional trauma and even negatively impact the reputation of your business.
Ransomware attacks can be remedied, but the chances of fixing ransomware attacks are getting more remote with the passing days due to the increased sophistication of attackers. When a user installs ransomware in a phone, all files in the handset become encrypted, making it inaccessible. In most cases regaining access to encrypted files with the use of software decrypters require an offline key, which may be available in the database of ransomware antivirus apps. For the rest cases, re-accessing encrypted files with the decrypter software will prove abortive even after trying out all known offline keys. This type of encryption will need a key which is not available to the antivirus and other powerful decrypters, and is referred to as an online ransomware key attack. The online ransomware key attack is not decryptable, and the only solution that will often need to be to carried out is a factory data reset.
- Download applications only from authorised app stores
You will need to download apps from only trusted sources such as google play, apple app store, including amazon app store. Sourcing apps from third party websites that are not trusted sites is not recommended. Often times malicious software are hosted on untrusted websites that are potential ransomware-containing apps. As an addup, try to read through notifications and e-mails before clicking on it. Doing so will turn out to be a life saving practice in the long run.
2. Try to avoid websites which do not have ""https"" attached to its domain name
For example, let's say you visit a website which has just ""http://www.example.com"" in its url link, instead of ""https://www.example.com"". You may need to tread carefully while navigating such websites. If possible, avoid such sites entirely to ensure full safety of your smartphone or feature phone. Sometimes ransomware files may get download automatically into your device without your knowledge if you visit such websites without antivirus software kits.
3. Install antivirus in your mobile phone
Antivirus software applications are important apps which you should install in your mobile phone to reduce the occurrence of malware. Also, perform regular antivirus scans and always keep your antivirus app updated to have the latest defense against the myriads of ransomware out there.
4. Keep your operating system up to date
One of the easiest ways malware gets into a mobile phone is through an outdated operating system. If you are an android or iPhone user, get regular updates installed as soon as it gets officially rolled out to your device. This goes the same for all other installed apps in your mobile phone.
5. Avoid rooting or jailbreaking your android/iPhone
Rooting or jailbreaking is a process which gives a phone user access to modify a phones software code or carry out advanced installations and uninstallations that a phone manufacturer would not normally permit. This process limits androids top line defence security structure, and makes your phone susceptible to external attack. Any ransomware intrusion which occurs will leave your device inoperable, and in addition to that, bank records could also get compromised at the very least.
When it boils down to basic security practices, the best defense is always precaution. Ransomware is extremely difficult to get rid of when it eventually compromises a systems defenses, and as such is not worth the hassle of dealing with it. By keeping to these basic guides, you'll be more likely to be ahead of the schemes of ransomware attackers, not leaving out malware of other types, which include; adware, trojan, worms, bots, spyware and fileless malware likewise.