With ransomware on the rise, it’s becoming more and more difficult to prevent attacks. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a guaranteed 100 percent defense against these attacks. But luckily, if you act fast enough, you can still turn these situations around. Here is how to eliminate a ransomware attack.
1. Do Not Use the Same Password Again
Your first line of defense is not to use the same password again. If a single easy-to-crack password gets used across all your online accounts, criminals will have a much easier time accessing your data. Using different passwords for each account also means multiple points at which they can get compromised, making it even harder for hackers to access your files.
2. Patch and Update
Install the patches and updates your operating system and applications offer. It is critical to ensure that your data is not compromised.
3. Use a Different Browser
Using a different browser makes it harder for programs to affect your machine. It’s hard for one program to hack two separate browsers. You can use one browser for online shopping, banking, and everything else you do online, but use a different browser for things like torrenting or similar activities.
4. Don’t Use Unlicensed Software
Unlicensed software can make your computer vulnerable to attacks, a common cyber security threat. You should always use legal copies of your software. You can find plenty of free legal software available online that will help you do everything you want to do without spending a single coin.
5. Use Password Managers
Password managers help you create strong passwords and then store them safely so that no one else can access them in their original form. It helps ensure that your accounts are only as secure as your password manager. So use them, and make sure they’re good.
6. Use a VPN
Using a VPN can protect you against attacks. Many websites will offer you the option to store your logins for a particular website. Still, you need to provide them with one of those passwords to access the login details from another computer or mobile device.
If an attacker gets access to one of these passwords on your computer or mobile device, they can take over those other devices and access your data. VPNs encrypt all of this information so that only the server knows what you’re doing, and the server can’t steal any information from you.
7. Use Malware Scanner Software
Many anti-malware programs can detect and remove ransomware, so there’s no reason not to use them, as long as they’re up to date.
8. Don’t Open Suspicious Emails
Beware of any email that you don’t recognize. If you get an email from someone you know, but it’s the first time they’ve ever contacted you, and the email seems a little off, it could be a phishing scam. You should probably send that person an email to make sure they sent it, as opposed to giving out any information, especially financial information.
Hopefully, this guide will help you eliminate ransomware attacks by making it harder for criminals to get into your data. Use these tips, and when you get hit by ransomware, try to act fast and eliminate the attack as soon as possible.
