Australia sees more Ransomware attacks than any other country!
Did you know that Australia has more ransom ware attacks per capita than any other country in the world and these attacks have been known to generate more then US$1 million a month for cyber-crime. It sounds scary but what exactly is ransomware attack?
Ransomware is a type of malware that restricts access to a computer system that it infects in some way, and demands that the user pay a ransom to the operators of the malware to remove the restriction. The intrusive effect of a ransomware attack is not only the user unable to access their important files but they are left to the hands of the cyber criminals who demand steep payments for restored access.
Ransomware attacks can come in many forms, from a suggested software update, emailing attachment, file download or vulnerability in a network. They can be destructive and spread havoc on your desktop or laptop in minutes, so what can be done to ensure if you are subject to a ransomware attack you can still operate your PC and files effectively. Here are some helpful suggestions:
Backup your data DAILY – regularly backing up your data is imperative to the security of your PC. If you come under attack from ransomwear that may cause loss of data you can simply restore documents from your backup.
Show hidden file extensions – One way that Ransomware frequently arrives is in a file that is named with the extension “.PDF.EXE”, counting on Window’s default behavior of hiding known file-extensions. If you re-enable the ability to see the full file-extension, it can be easier to spot suspicious files.
Filter EXEs in email – If your gateway mail scanner has the ability to filter files by extension, you may wish to deny mails sent with “.EXE” files, or to deny mails sent with files that have two file extensions
At CMSIT we believe that effective security strategies are of vital importance for business success. Our friendly team can offer an assortment of software alternatives which will ensure your business is protected at all times from viruses and security threats. To learn more speak with our friendly team today.
