What You Need To Know about Ransomware? How Does it Affect Your Website?

Introduction

Ransomware- You’ve probably seen this word swirl in the cybersecurity world. But what is ransomware really? More importantly, what does ransomware do?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software used by cyber attackers to deny access to systems and data. A malicious cyber attacker holds the system or data hostage until the ransom is paid. For businesses, ransomware attacks can cause data breaches, financial losses, disclosure of sensitive information, and even permanent reputational damage.

For individual website owners, the potential impact is equally devastating. Permanent file corruption and  complete loss of digital assets. Fortunately, it is possible to prevent and even recover from ransomware attacks. Here are four important steps you should be aware of:

Malicious cyber attackers who do not comply with the request may charge an exorbitant amount and threaten to keep the website hostage or higher. Please do not give up. You can eliminate the threat simply by updating your password. Follow some simple tips to be on the safe side.

Keeping Up To Date 

Ransomware often exploits vulnerabilities in older operating systems. Use the latest security measures (malware scanners, antivirus software, web application firewalls etc) to reduce the chance of an attack.

Promoting Smart Cyber Security Practices 

Negligence is the number one cause of data breaches. Remember that a single click on a suspicious link makes you a prime candidate for a ransomware attack. Follow cybersecurity best practices so you don’t have to ponder later.

Counterfeit Ransomware Attacks on Websites 

Finally, it is crucial to identify the difference between a real ransomware attack and a fake one. In a real ransomware attack, the attacker is already in the system. They usually encrypt all files and then send a ransom note to the website administrator to pay for the encryption key.

Without a backup, the encryption key is the only way to regain access to your files. That’s why ransomware attacks are so effective in the first place.

Performing Regular Backups 

Performing regular site backups can help you restore files from ransomware attacks. Valuable data is not completely erased.

Identify Fake Ransomware Attack

In a fake ransomware attack, an attacker obtains a personal email address and password from a dark web data dump. Then sends an email with the inscription “Pay [X Amount] or remove everything”. We have all your information. Do you know this password as proof? This attacker doesn’t really control the victim, but can scare people just by sharing their current or previous passwords.

Summary

If you are the victim of a fake ransomware attack,  update your password, make sure your backup is in progress, and learn about cybersecurity best  practices. If you are involved in a data breach, update your password everywhere it is used. Even if only “Website X” is  hacked, access data is often tested at various login locations, from social media to banks, so password updates cannot be stopped there. Stay alert, update yourself with industry best practices and be disciplined to counter ransomware attacks.