Protection against ransomware is essential as attack cases increaseWays to prevent ransomware attacks1. Backup your data2. Install software and OS updates3. Be careful online4. Choose and install reliable security software5. Consider installing anti-ransomware tools6. Disable SMBv17. Disable Remote Desktop Protocol
Ransomware is a malicious computer virus that corrupts files on an infected system and demands a ransom. Typically, viruses like WannaCry or STOP (DJVU) ransomware use AES or RSA encryption to cipher data securely, and there is no way to roll-back this procedure without secret keys that are transferred to Command&Control center by the virus. During the data encryption, the malware appends specific file extensions to file names, making it evident that files were somehow modified. Next, ransom-demanding virus drops a ransom note, which holds information regarding the ransom payment. The malware creators expect victims to transfer payment, usually in cryptocurrency, to a provided crypto-wallet address in a given time period. Ransomware authors threaten the victims to keep their files locked forever, delete them, or publish them online if the victim decides not to pay up. We all keep essential data on our computers and smart devices, and unexpectedly losing them is the last thing we want. Our work, personal memories, collections of files that are important to us can disappear in thin air instantly. Certain ransomware types are capable of posting some of victim’s data to their C&C server and threaten the victim to publish it online if their ransom demands are not fulfilled in time. Moreover, some of these crypto-viruses can function as additional malware droppers to deliver Trojans like Azorult, Occamy or Glupteba. Therefore, it is a must to take every possible action to protect a computer from ransomware attack.
Ways to prevent ransomware attacks
There is no golden rule when it comes to ransomware avoidance. In reality, you have to follow a certain set of rules to keep your files safe and computer system clean. It can be hard to keep up with the latest distribution tricks used by malware developers, so we have prepared a list of do’s and don’ts. Follow the given guide on how to prevent ransomware attacks in 2019.
1. Backup your data
Backup is the best way to protect your data. Security professionals never get tired of repeating this advice; however, users tend to delay this task until its too late. No matter how good your security software is, it can fail, too. Therefore, having a data backup is simply a must. You do not have to back up everything – the most important files are enough. We tend to stick with good old portable storage devices – USB, CD or hard drive. Some ransomware viruses tend to corrupt files stored in online data clouds, so it might not be the most reliable option.
2. Install software and OS updates
Having an up-to-date system and software means having the best possible versions of these at the time. Keeping and using outdated software increases the chances of getting your PC hacked or infected. To prevent ransomware attack, install updates regularly. People using Windows 7 and newer versions of this OS can enable automatic updates, so make sure you use this feature, too. Software developers release updates to fix bugs, vulnerabilities, and errors in software. Installing them means patching weak spots in the software and block hackers from exploiting them. We won’t go into details how hackers do it, but believe us – they quickly take advantage of outdated systems, as this gives them a chance to attack many systems at once.
3. Be careful online
Being careful online is a crucial factor that helps to prevent ransomware attacks. However, the best way to stay safe is to develop kind of a gut feeling what is right and what is wrong online. It is hard to explain, but we suggest following these tips from us to recognize dangerous content online:
4. Choose and install reliable security software
Reliable security software does not need to be a paid product. There are many trustworthy security programs available for free. However, you should also remember that paid versions typically offer a rich set of useful features and guarantee better protection against ransomware and other types of malware. An important tip is to keep your security software up-to-date, too. Besides, we want to warn you to choose an antivirus or a strong anti-malware, but not anti-spyware software. Most anti-spyware programs are not designed to fight against complicated viruses such as ransomware or trojans. If you have no idea which security product is worth your time or money, we suggest checking software reviews provided by our team.
5. Consider installing anti-ransomware tools
One of the methods to prevent ransomware attack is to install special anti-ransomware tools. Here are some trustworthy free tools that help to keep your system ransom-virus free:
BitDefender Anti-Ransomware Kit. This tool helps to avoid CTB-Locker, Locky, Petya, TeslaCrypt malware strains.Kaspersky Anti-Ransomware Tool For Business. Compatible with other security programs, it scans and blocks crypto-malware and allows to roll-back malicious actions.McAfee Ransomware Interceptor. Blocks ransomware encryption attempts and uses heuristics and machine learning to identify data-ciphering malware.CyberSight RansomStopper. Machine learning, pre-execution behavioral analysis, ransomware avoidance, usage of honeypots and compatibility with most antivirus solutions are just a few features you get for free.
6. Disable SMBv1
Disabling SMB (Server Message Block) adds extra protection against ransomware like WannaCry, which leverage SMB vulnerabilities to attack computer systems. You can easily disable SMBv1 by opening Windows Powershell and typing a command into it.
7. Disable Remote Desktop Protocol
Remote Desktop Protocol, also known as RDP, is a Microsoft Windows utility that allows remote connections to your computer. In Windows 10, RDP feature is disabled by default, but users are advised to double-check the situation. To disable RDP in Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10, follow the given guide: These are current suggestions for ransomware protection in 2021. If you have any other insights to share with our community, do not hesitate and let us know in the comments section below. This article was first published on January 9th, 2019, and updated on January 5th, 2021.
