Increasingly sophisticated and harmful digital threats are emerging for businesses and individuals. Among them, ransomware, a type of malicious software that hijacks data and files from infected devices, preventing the victim from accessing them unless a ransom is paid.
This type of malware has become one of the most common and can cost millions of euros to companies that have been victims of it. In fact, it is the third most used cyberattack method currently, which highlights the importance of strengthening business cybersecurity.
How does ransomware work?
The term "ransom" means rescue, that is why this type of malware is extortion software. It prevents access to your files or your device until the demands of cybercriminals are met, which usually consists of a payment in cryptocurrencies to maintain anonymity and make the payment more difficult to trace.
Many cybercriminals target small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs or startups) as many lack adequate security measures or specialized cybersecurity teams. On other occasions, they may also target organizations with very important databases, as this increases the likelihood of them ending up paying the ransom due to the urgency of recovering those files.
This type of malware can spread through your system via:
- Phishing emails. One of the most common ways for them to access your system. The victim receives an email that appears to be legitimate, but is not, and if the links or files it contains are opened, the ransomware is downloaded and installed.
- Compromised websites. Visiting infected web pages can lead to an automatic download of ransomware without you realizing it.
- Malicious downloads. Downloading any pirated software, files from unreliable sources, or fake updates can also cause this malware to be installed on your device.
Furthermore, once it infects a system, it can spread to other devices connected to it.
On the other hand, it is also important to know that there are different types:
- Scareware. It pretends to be an antivirus, reporting that the computer is infected and thus scaring the victim to make them more manipulable. This supposed antivirus reports that a payment must be made to solve the problem.
- Encryption. It is the most common, using encryption algorithms to encrypt all files, preventing their use and demanding a ransom.
- Screen locker. Cybercriminals block your computer screen, preventing you from accessing it unless you make a payment. Normally, images of an organization or security body are displayed, reporting that illegal actions have been identified on the computer and therefore a fine must be paid.
How to protect yourself from ransomware?
Although there is no 100% guaranteed way to be completely protected from ransomware, applying a security strategy can significantly reduce the risk. Iberbox, a company of La Lonja de la Innovación ecosystem, offers the possibility of storing files in an encrypted cloud, which provides an additional layer of security against ransomware. Although they warn that it is not an absolute guarantee of protection, having files in the cloud can make it more difficult for attackers to access them.
How can you be totally protected then? Some of the practices they advise are:
- Keep your equipment always updated.
- Install reliable antimalware systems.
- Know how to identify phishing and suspicious links.
- Do not download anything from unreliable sources.
- Perform backups on all your equipment and systems.
- Train your employees in good cybersecurity practices.
- Use additional security measures such as firewalls or intrusion detection tools.
- Make use of multifactor authentication.
In short, facing ransomware requires combining various practices and being well-trained to avoid falling victim to this common cyberattack.