Ransomware is Here to Stay: So How Do I Protect My Data?

Ransomware is the gift that keeps on giving for cybercriminals. Google research revealed recently that online extortionists have managed to grab more than $25 million from their victims over the past two years. Other estimates suggest businesses and netizens handed over as much as $1 billion in 2016 alone.

Whatever the final figure, it’s clear from the global WannaCry outbreak in May that this threat is here to stay.

So what can we do to keep our most valuable data safe and secure?

Ransomware 101

Ransomware is a type of malware that locks the victim out of their computer, either by freezing the screen, or more commonly by encrypting all files so that they’re impossible to read or access. This so-called “crypto-ransomware” requires the user to pay a fee in Bitcoins or similar to regain access to their files via a decryption key. The charge for this key can be in the region of several hundred dollars but could rise to nearer $1000, although there’s no guarantee you’ll even get your data back after payment.

The ransomware threat has actually been around for about a decade, although it’s only taken off in recent years. Trend Micro spotted a massive 752% increase in new types of ransomware last year alone. The bad news is, off-the-shelf packages sold on the cybercrime underground have made it a cinch for criminals to get involved, even those with little technical know-how. In the past they’ve targeted hospitals, schools, radio stations and even the San Francisco Muni. No-one is safe.

Imagine if you try logging on tomorrow only to find a hacker has effectively locked your computer and taken away the keys? All your most valuable family photos, videos, work documents, tax records and other financial information could be lost for good.

Luckily, by taking just a few careful steps, you could greatly reduce the chances of getting hit.

Fighting back

You can expose your computer to ransomware in several ways. It can be accidentally downloaded if you visit a compromised website that may look legitimate but has malware lurking on it, possibly in advertisements. It could also arrive on the back of other malware, or in attachments and links in phishing or spam emails.

Prevention is the best approach to take, because once the ransomware itself has infected your machine, it could be impossible to remove. We know there’s no single “silver bullet” to keep you 100% safe from such threats. That’s why the Trend Micro approach is based on cross-generational, multi-layered protection featuring a breadth of security controls designed to stop anything malicious from slipping through the cracks. The latest enhancement is machine learning, which can spot and block unknown malware variants before they can do any damage.

Here are a few key things to remember:

Always stay up-to-date with the latest security patches from your OS provider and any other apps running on your PC. Turning on automatic updates will make this hassle-free.

from your OS provider and any other apps running on your PC. Turning on automatic updates will make this hassle-free. Invest in anti-malware protection from a reputable provider proven to prevent ransomware. Trend Micro Security (available for your Mac as well as your PC) provides robust protection against ransomware by blocking malicious websites, emails, and files associated with the threat. Its Folder Shield protection, enhanced by machine learning, protects all your important files from unauthorized changes and unknown threats.

from a reputable provider proven to prevent ransomware. Trend Micro Security (available for your Mac as well as your PC) provides robust protection against ransomware by blocking malicious websites, emails, and files associated with the threat. Its Folder Shield protection, enhanced by machine learning, protects all your important files from unauthorized changes and unknown threats. Avoid opening emails or clicking on links/opening attachments associated with them. Trust no-one who sends you that email enclosure out of the blue!

or clicking on links/opening attachments associated with them. Trust no-one who sends you that email enclosure out of the blue! Back-up regularly : This won’t stop you getting infected but will ensure you can restore your files. The 3-2-1 rule says: for regular backups you should have three copies, in two different formats, with one off-site. Online sync storage is not enough. Have one copy backed up offline so it can’t also be infected by the ransomware.

: This won’t stop you getting infected but will ensure you can restore your files. The 3-2-1 rule says: for regular backups you should have three copies, in two different formats, with one off-site. Online sync storage is not enough. Have one copy backed up offline so it can’t also be infected by the ransomware. Be cautious online : Hackers can hijack the online accounts of your friends and contacts and spoof emails from banks, retailers, police, delivery services and more to trick you into downloading ransomware. Again, trust no-one!

: Hackers can hijack the online accounts of your friends and contacts and spoof emails from banks, retailers, police, delivery services and more to trick you into downloading ransomware. Again, trust no-one! Trend Micro has published free diagnostics and ransomware removal tools for a limited number of ransomware families.

For more information on ransomware, visit our website. Remember, even paying the ransom is no guarantee you’ll get your data back, so plan ahead now to keep this insidious threat at bay.