What is ransomware?

In our digital age cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever. One of the most damaging threats is ransomware. Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts files making them unusable until a ransom is paid. It can halt operations, cause data loss and lead to serious financial and reputational damage. These attacks often start with a simple email or a misleading link, tricking you into downloading harmful files.

But how can we protect ourselves and our organisation from these attacks? Meet Alex. He’s about to face a ransomware attack. Let’s see how he handles it. One morning Alex receives an email that appears to be from a reputable software vendor. It claims a critical software update is needed to fix a security vulnerability. There’s an attachment labeled security patch.x and the email warns that not installing it soon could cause system failures. Believing the email to be legitimate, Alex downloads and runs the attachment without verifying its authenticity. Moments later his screen goes dark and a chilling message appears: All his files have been encrypted. The message demands a ransom for a decryption key threatening permanent deletion if payment isn’t made within 72 hours. Realising something is terribly wrong, Alex acts quickly. He disconnects his computer from the network to stop the ransomware from spreading and contacts the IT department immediately. The IT team moves fast. They isolate his computer to contain the threat. Thanks to regular backups they can restore his files and strengthen security across the network. Alex learns the email was a sophisticated fishing attempt to deploy ransomware. By reporting the incident promptly, he helped minimise the damage. This experience shows the importance of staying alert and following proper procedures.

Remember these crucial steps to protect yourself and your company. Be cautious of unsolicited emails especially those urging immediate action. Do not download or run attachments from unknown or unexpected emails, especially executable files. Verify software updates through your IT department or official channels. Report incidents immediately to your IT or security department. Your actions can make the difference in defending against ransomware attacks!