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Here are some tips to avoid being a potential victim of ransomware:
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1. Never click dubious links
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Avoid clicking links in spam messages or unknown websites. If you click on malicious links, an automatic download can be started, which can lead to infection of your computer.
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2. Avoid disclosing personal information
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If you receive a call, SMS, or email from an untrusted source requesting personal information, do not respond. Cybercriminals may try to collect personal information in advance, which is used to personalize phishing messages targeted specifically for you. If you have any questions about the legitimacy of the message, please contact the sender directly.
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3. Don't open suspicious e-mail attachments
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Ransomware can also get to your device via e-mail attachments. Avoid opening any dubious attachments. To make sure the e-mail is trustworthy, pay close attention to the sender and make sure the address is correct. Never open attachments that require macros to run to view them. If the attachment is infected, opening it will run a malicious macro that provides malware control of your computer.
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4. Back up your data to a secure storage regularly
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Investing in a backup is like buying insurance, so the choice should be well thought out. The process of retrieving data from the backup is known as restore, and more important than keeping backups up to date is being able to restore them in the event of a disaster or extortion attempt is imperative.
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5. Never use unknown USB devices
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Never connect USB devices or other storage media to your computer if you do not know where they came from. Cybercriminals may have infected the storage medium and placed it in a public place to persuade someone to use it.
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6. Keep your programs and operating system up to date
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Updating programs and operating systems regularly helps protect you from malware. When performing updates, be sure to use the latest security patches as these make it difficult for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities in your programs.
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7. Use only known download sources
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To minimize the risk of ransomware, never download software or files from unknown websites. Rely on verified and trusted websites for downloads. This type of websites can be recognized by trusted stamps. Make sure that the browser address bar of the page you're visiting uses "https" instead of "http." A shield or padlock symbol on the address bar may also indicate that the page is secure. Also, be careful when downloading to mobile devices. You can trust the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, depending on your device.
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