​

 

Chances are you know someone, or some organization, who has suffered a ransomware attack – it could be your local police department, a small business, big hospital or someone in your family. So here are 5 ways to prevent from damaging your business.

You should:

• Install and use an up-to-date antivirus solution (such as Microsoft Security Essentials).
• Make sure your software is up-to-date.
• Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments or emails from people you don’t know or companies you don’t do business with.
• Ensure you have smart screen (in Internet Explorer) turned on.
• Have a pop-up blocker running in your web browser.
• Regularly backup your important files.You can backup your files with a cloud storage service that keeps a history or archive of your files, such as OneDrive which is now fully integrated into Windows 10 and Windows 8.1, and Microsoft Office.After you’ve removed the ransomware infection from your computer, you can restore previous, unencrypted versions of your Office files using “version history”.

Extra tips on preventing malware infections, including ransomware infections :

1.     Run up-to-date security software

Up-to-date security software is the best way to help protect your PC from malware.

Microsoft provides security software that is regularly updated to protect against the latest threats. The software includes:

• • • Microsoft Security Essentials
    • Windows Defender
    • Microsoft Safety Scanner

Whatever security software you choose, make sure you update it regularly. We recommend you update your security software at least every day.

 

2.   Get the latest software updates

New malware is written every day. Many of these threats target vulnerabilities in your PC software. Software companies regularly release updates that fix these vulnerabilities. To help stay protected you should regularly update all your software. This includes programs like Java, Adobe and QuickTime. Go to our software updates page for more information.

You can easily keep all of your Microsoft software up-to-date by turning on Windows automatic updates. Your computer will automatically download Microsoft security updates when your computer is online.

 

3.     Understand how malware works

Malware authors use several common tricks to install their malicious software on your PC. Understanding the most common ways they do this can help you stay protected.

• 1. Email – Malware often arrives on your PC in an email attachment. You should never open an attachment from someone you don’t know or if an email looks suspicious. Instant messages and requests for file transfers can also spread malware.
  2. Websites – Never open links to webpages that you don’t recognize or that are sent from people you don’t know. Malicious websites can install malware on your PC when you visit them.Use caution – If you view a website that doesn’t look quite right, or unexpected things happen when you visit, close your browser, download the latest updates for your security software and run a quick scan on your PC.
  3. Pirated software – Malware is often bundled together with pirated software. When you install the pirated software you may also install malware.
  4. Social engineering – Malware authors often try and trick you into doing what they want. This can be clicking or opening a file because it looks legitimate, paying money to unlock your PC or visiting a malicious webpage. These deceptive appeals are known as social engineering.
  5. Passwords – Attackers may try to guess your Windows account or other passwords. This is why you should always use a password that can’t be guessed easily. A strong password has at least eight characters and includes letters, numbers, and symbols.
  6. USB flash drives and other removable drives – Some types of malware, such as worms, can spread by copying themselves to any USB flash drives or other removable drives that are connected to your computer. Always be careful when sharing removable drives, and make sure you scan them.

4.     Turn on your firewall

A firewall is a set of rules that chooses which information can access your PC. It can help prevent malware infections by stopping suspicious programs from getting onto your PC, or accessing the internet once installed.

5.     Limit user privileges

Many malware threats need full access to your PC to run properly. Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, and Windows Vista use User Account Control to limit what a program can do without your permission.

This means you will be notified if any software or application tries to make any changes to your system. It can also help stop malware and unwanted software from installing themselves or changing the way your PC works.

Don’t give up hope — fast recovery from a ransomware attack is possible

Contact SRKK for more information on how you can minimize the risk of ransomware disrupting your business.