Where to Report Ransomware Attacks?

Ransomware

Ransomware malware is malware that allows cyber extortion to make a profit. Ransomware can be hidden in emails and web pages that appear normal.

Ransomware, once activated, prevents users from interfacing with their files, apps, or systems until a ransom is paid. Typically, this payment comes in an anonymous currency like Bitcoin.

Ransomware, a growing cyber threat, is often affecting individuals. Recently, it has been made the headlines for wider attacks on businesses. The payment demands can vary depending on the targeted organization and can be as high as millions of dollars.

Ransomware is commonly introduced to an organization via a phishing email, but it can also be introduced through exploits, USB drives, and other media containing malware. It functions quickly. It can spread quickly from one machine to another via the corporate network. This affects endpoint devices (PCs and laptops), servers, and storage media. It is impossible to unlock files once they are encrypted.

Preventive measures/Precautions

1. It is a good practice to have backups that can be restored data to be prepared for such an attack.

2. A second layer of protection is to use technology on email and web portals that scan for suspicious URLs. These solutions can be used to distinguish legitimate content from malware and suspicious websites.

3. the Third layer of defense is to have the technology installed at the endpoint. This technology typically monitors processes and detects Ransomware activity.

4. 4. The fourth level of security is network security solutions. These solutions can detect ransomware before the malware executes and can quarantine suspicious processes.

5. Maintain your third-party applications (MS Office, browsers, browser plugins, and operating systems) up to date.

6. You should have an up-to-date antivirus installed on your system

7. Install email and web filters on your network. These devices can be configured to scan for bad addresses, sources, or domains. Block these addresses before downloading and receiving messages. Use trusted antivirus software to scan all email, attachments, and downloads on both the host and the mail gateway.

8. Do not open attachments in unwelcome e-mails, regardless of whether they are from your contacts.

9. Even if it seems harmless, never click on any URL in an unsolicited email. For genuine URLs, close the e-mail message and open the browser to go directly to the website.

10. Keep your Antivirus software up-to-date on all systems

11. Disable macros in Microsoft Office products. Certain Office products can disable macros from outside the organization. This is a good option if the organization relies on macros. Windows has specific settings that can prevent macros from running from the Internet.

12. With the least privilege in mind, configure access controls that include file, directory, or network share permissions. A user should only have read access to specific files.