What is Ransomware?

Computers across the world were locked up and user’s files held for ransom when dozens of countries were hit in a cyberattack that targeted hospitals, companies and government agencies. Malware is a general term that refers to software that’s harmful to your computer. Ransomware is a type of malware that essentially takes over a computer and prevents users from accessing data on it until a ransom is paid.

How computer is infected - In most cases, the software infects computers through links or attachments in malicious messages known as phishing emails. The software usually is hidden within links or attachments in emails. Once the user clicks on the link or opens the document, their computer is infected and the software takes over. Ransomware, like the name suggests is when your files are held for ransom. It finds all your files and encrypts them and then leaves you a message. If you want to decrypt them, you have to pay.

How it works - The ransomware encrypts data on the computer using an encryption key that only the attacker knows. If the ransom isn’t paid, the data is often lost forever. When the ransomware takes over a computer, the attackers are pretty explicit in their demands. In most cases, they change the wallpaper of the computer and give specific instructions telling the user how to pay to recover their files. Most attackers demand between $300 and $500 to remove the malicious ransomware; the price can double if the amount isn’t paid within 24 hours. Law enforcement officials have discouraged people from paying these ransoms.

How to avoid it - Users should regularly back up their data and ensure that security updates are installed on your computer as soon as they are released Up-to-date backups make it possible to restore files without paying a ransom. Users should also look for malicious email messages that often masquerade as emails from companies or people you regularly interact with online. It’s important to avoid clicking on links or opening attachments in those messages, since they could unleash malware.

Free Wifi? Not really free

You’ve heard that you shouldn’t open your bank account and potentially ever your email while using public Wifi. Be that as it may, what are the actual risks? All things considered, your home Wifi is encrypted, the Wi-Fi at the coffee shop isn’t. This implies you’re at risk of people monitoring your online activity, or more awful – unless you know how to protect yourself. Here are a couple of attacks.

Man-in-the-middle attacks are the place attackers are putting together their own particular network and standing between your computer and the computer you’re trying to access and all the information is routed through their device. Malware is significantly more risky, in light of the fact that it potentially gives a hacker access to everything on your device. They can take your files or photos, and even turn on cameras or microphones to eavesdrop.

Most perilously, the hotspot you connect to – might be malicious. This might be on the grounds that the businesses hotspot was infected, however it might likewise be on account that you’re connected to a honeypot network. For instance, if you connect to “Public Wi-Fi” in a public place, you can’t be entirely certain that the network is actually a true public Wi-Fi network and not one set up by an assailant in an attempt to trick people into connecting.

If you use public Wi-Fi connections consistently, you might want to invest in a VPN. As a bonus, a VPN will allow you to bypass any filtering and site blocking in place on the public Wi-Fi network, allowing you to browse whatever you want.

Protect Information: The new Currency

A growing economy and a fast Internet population make India one of the most attractive targets of Cyber Criminals. In a digital world, Information is the new currency. In the past, many threats are done by hackers on companies to collect data or release data. Any loss or theft of information can lead to irreparable damage in terms of overall competitiveness.

In connected world, network now ends with the user device, which makes it more difficult to prevent theft of data intentional or unintentional. In a recent research, it points that India is the number one host country of Botnet related Malware, Sality Malware contributor and Ramnit Malware contributor globally. Malwares like Botnet, Ramnit, and Autorun are designed to hack into various devices to steal data, banking credentials, cookies and other vital information.

As India’s smartphone and Internet base rises, the number of Malware directed at Indian firms will continue to rise. Today, companies are still spending significant sums on security systems. Securing the data is the first priority for any company which was previously ignored. Cyber-attacks on business come from bugs in outdated software. Malware creators are quick to spot these opportunities and create Malware that scan unpatched operating systems.

On Mobile phones, Android is still the number one target. Recent attacks on Apple iCloud and Sony had cost them a huge price. Malware creators today are not only stealing data but they also make sure that the original user pays for the data he owns. Original user can get the data back if he pays for the decryption key. About 80 percent of top 10 Malware can be avoided by up to date software. Tools, which can automatically update software offer protection against threats.

With regular increase in Internet users and connectivity, it has become very important to secure information. As Information is the new currency in Digital World. Just as a strong immune system in human body can prevent most dangerous diseases in same way most deadly viruses and malware can be kept out of most networks.