How to protect yourself against ransomware attacks
The best protection against ransomware attacks is to have all files backed up in a completely separate system. This means that if you suffer an attack you won't lost any information to the hackers.
It is difficult to prevent determined hackers from launching a ransomware attack, but exercising caution can help. Cyber attackers need to download the malicious software onto a computer, phone or other connected device.
The most common ways of installing the virus are through compromised emails and websites.
For example, hackers could send an employee a phishing email that looks like it comes from their boss asking them to open a link. But it actually links to a malicious website that surreptitiously downloads the virus onto their computer.
Downloading a bad program or app, and visiting a website that is displaying malicious adverts can also result in an infected device.
The best way to protect yourself is to be suspicious of unsolicited emails and always type out web addresses yourself rather than clicking on links. Another key defence is antivirus programs that can scan files before they are downloaded, block secret installations and look for malware that may already be on a computer.
Cyber security companies have developed sophisticated defences against the cyber attack, including machines that fight back when they spot hackers in a system.
SOURCE www.telegraph.co.uk
