Ransomware has become rampant in recent years, leaving business and ordinary users frustrated with essentially all data on the machine rendered useless.
Ransomware is a highly sophisticated type of malware that encrypts computer files, making them inaccessible to users without a decryption key. Cyber criminals then demand users pay a ransom in order to receive the key to decrypt the files.
Once your data is locked, you face a tough choice: whether or not to pay. If you pay, will you really get your data back anyway?
Law enforcement agencies generally advise against paying digital ransoms on the basis that it could encourage more attacks, but this ignores the reality of organizations confronted with ransom demands.
Best thing you can do is to be prepared for such an occurrence as once your computer has been compromised, it is very difficult if not impossible to retrieve the lost files. In majority of cases, the scrambled HDD has to be replaced.
The best way to be prepared is by doing the following:
- Training
- Regular backups
- Latest anti malware
A new feature called Ransomware Shield has been added to ESET consumer products and was released on December 12th 2016.
Ransomware malware is covered by ESET with a combination several technologies (Cloud Malware Protection System, Network Attack Protection and DNA Detections) since 2013.
The new Ransomware Shield is introducing another layer of anti-ransomware protection. When Ransomware Shield is active, all executed applications are monitored and evaluated using behavioural and reputation based heuristics. Whenever a behaviour that resembles ransomware is identified, it can be blocked, as well as when the potential malware tries to make modifications to existing files i.e. to encrypt them.
Ransomware Shield will be active by default, but user interaction will be needed in case ransomware is found (notification of suspicious activity is displayed and user needs to decide whether or not to block the malware).
As long as it’s profitable, ransomware will continue to flourish. By taking these steps, we all can help reduce the likelihood of a payout, and defund the scammers. As soon as the money stops, they will too.
You can never be too sure about your businesses security, for more information about professional IT consultancy in Ireland get in contact with us via email at info@worksmart.ie or by phone at 01 253 0480.
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