Ransomware
What is Ransomware:
Ransomware is a type of malware, a piece of software designed to disrupt, damage or gain unauthorised access to your computer. Ransomware prevents you from accessing your device and the data stored on it, usually by encrypting your files until you pay a ransom to unlock them, and even if you pay the ransom, you may still not get your data back.
Ransomware has been around since the 1980’s with the first recorded incident being in 1989 against the World Health Organisation by, what was then known, as hacktivists. The primary aim of ransomware is to extort money from victims by encrypting their data and demanding a ransom payment for the decryption key, which then allows access to the system and the files on it.
How do I get Ransomware:
You can unknowingly download ransomware onto a computer by opening an email attachment, clicking an ad, following a link, or even visiting a website that’s embedded with malware. The most commonly affected web-sites being news pages with adverts and file sharing sites.
Before clicking any links, hover over it to display the full address. If it is not a link you were expecting or it just doesn’t look right, then don’t click on it.
How do I know I’ve been attacked?
In most cases you won’t realise you have been attacked until the encryption of your data is complete, at this point the ransomware will display a message locking you out of your computer and demanding payment.
During the encryption process you may notice your computer is running slower than normal, the hard drive activity light is constantly busy and folders with strange names could appear which you did not create.
Does Ransomware go away if you pay?
Paying the ransom does not guarantee that attackers will provide the decryption key and even if they do, you may still not get access to all your data. Your computer will still be infected, you will be funding criminal groups and you are very likely to be targeted in future.
What to do if you are infected:
Whilst encrypting your computer, the Ransomware will also look to encrypt attached storage devices and even other computers on your network.
- Do NOT pay the ransom
- Disconnect any attached storage drives
- Disconnect yourself from the network by unplugging the network cable, disconnecting the Wi-Fi or turning off your broadband router to limit the infection. Turn off Bluetooth Communications.
- Alert other users on your network
- Call us at Sigma Office to discuss the next steps on: 01462 742783
How can I protect myself
Despite the growing number of ransomware attacks, there are plenty of ways to protect yourself. No solution is 100% guaranteed as new threats are identified every day.
Below are a few things you can do NOW to limit your risk:
- Backup your data – create a backup and do not leave it attached permanently to your computer to prevent it being encrypted or infected in a ransomware attack. Have two alternating backup drives to provide a fail safe with one kept off-site. Consider an on-line cloud backup solution such as SigmaStore
- Keep systems and applications updated – Using outdated Operating Systems and Applications allows hackers to easily take advantage of vulnerabilities. Note that Windows 10 will not receive any updates from October 2025 – See our article: Windows 10 End of Life
- Install antivirus software and firewalls – Antivirus and anti-malware software are the most common ways people use to fight cyber threats. These technologies typically include phishing and ransomware protection technology and can respond to threats in real-time on an infected computer. Firewalls are also important to set up since they are the first line of defence against external attacks.
Call us to arrange a security health check, we can check your computer for existing viruses and malware, update the Operating System, Applications, System Drivers and BIOS. We can also implement preventative measures to ensure you remain safe online. Call: 01462 742783 or contact us online
You can obtain additional advice and guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre
Photo by Fotis Fotopoulos on Unsplash
