What is ransomware?
Simply put, ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid. Hackers will put a ransomware virus on your computer – or your entire network – that makes it impossible for you to access your files until you pay them to unlock it.
The ransomware virus starts by taking over your computer, leaving you unable to access any of your personal files and documents. That data is still on your computer, but it is encrypted – meaning that a decryption key is required to regain access. The attacker demands a ransom in exchange for the decryption key, and this can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Attackers may also threaten to release your sensitive information, or may even pretend to be a law enforcement agency, demanding payment of a ‘fine’ rather than a ransom. Nationality is not a problem for ransomware attackers. They will blanket send malware into any industry they feel is vulnerable, waiting for at least a small percentage to panic and pay.
It is very important, however, to not pay ransomware attackers. Even if you pay the ransom in full, you may still not get your data returned to you.
To remove the ransomware and get your system back safely, you’ll need to find a company like TechBrain to carry out ransomware removal on your device. TechBrain is a Perth-based company with ransomware recovery skills and, alongside our partners, we will work diligently to regain your documents and personal information.
To remove the ransomware and get your system back safely, you’ll need to find a company like TechBrain to carry out ransomware removal on your device. TechBrain is a Perth-based company with ransomware recovery skills and, alongside our partners, we will work diligently to regain your documents and personal information.
How ransomware impacts your business
Ransomware poses a serious threat to your business’s cybersecurity. Here’s what your business could expect if its computer systems become the victim of this sort of malware attack:
- Loss of company data
Without enlisting the services of a ransomware removal specialist, this data loss can be permanent. If the data that the cybercriminals manage to obtain is valuable and confidential, then the ramifications are even more severe.
- Financial loss
A ransomware attack could critically restrict your business’s operations and sales, leading to a loss of potential revenue. Additional financial loss results if the ransomware payment is made, as the attackers may still retain control of your data, and your systems remain vulnerable to future attacks.
- Reputation damage
If your business’s sensitive information is exposed, your brand’s reputation may be damaged. This is especially true if the ransomware cybercriminals expose client information. Additionally, while your systems are down, your business is unable to serve its customers. These customers may choose to move to competitors instead.
TechBrain’s ransomware removal services
If the worst happens and you find your business’s computer systems under attack from malicious software that’s locked you out of your system – with a message demanding payment – then you will need professional help to get cleared of the virus and to recover potentially locked data.
Do not pay the attackers any money.
The professional ransomware recovery services that we offer for business in Perth and across Australia are multilayered. Our ransomware removal and data recovery services can assist you in clearing your systems of all malicious viruses and get you back up and running. In many cases, full ransomware data recovery is possible when the right decryption tool is used, the ransom payment is withheld, and the type of malware is correctly identified.
We can also discover any weak points in your cybersecurity model, to prevent future attacks from happening again. Our network support services, for example, ensure firewalls and software are set up to protect against and recover from a variety of viruses and malware.
Protecting your business against ransomware
Once the ransomware has been removed from your systems (or even if your business has never been the victim of malware, but you’re just looking to be proactive), it’s important to focus on ransomware prevention.
Ransomware prevention and protection is ongoing, and requires constant vigilance to keep your data safe. That’s why we recommend keeping in mind the following to aid in ransomware prevention:
- Keep antivirus software for servers and firewalls up-to-date.
- Ensure backups are performed daily (hourly if your system supports it), are working and are taken off-site.
- Apply high-priority Microsoft updates at regular intervals.
- Educate staff to recognise suspicious websites and emails, thereby ensuring that they do not open them.
- Stay up-to-date on the latest phishing and rogue email scams. If you don’t open files that look dangerous, you won’t need to worry about malware.
- Incorporate perimeter protection including Unified Threat Management, for inbound and outbound protection.
- Power off and disconnect machines – thereafter notifying system administrators – if you suspect infection.
Looking for ransomware recovery services in Perth and Australia? Contact us now for unrivalled support!
Frequently Asked Questions
I have been attacked by ransomware - what should I do?
If the worst happens and you find yourself under attack from malicious software that’s locked you out of your system with a message demanding payment, then you will most likely need professional help to get cleared of the virus and to recover potentially locked data. Do not pay the attackers any money! In many cases, ransomware data recovery is possible when the right decryption tool is used, the ransom payment is withheld, and the type of malware is identified. You should turn off and disconnect your machine, and alert your team immediately. This will help, but will in no way protect you fully from future attacks. That is where experts like TechBrain come in. We offer full service ransomware protection, ransomware data recovery and ransomware removal services. We can assist you in clearing your systems of all malicious viruses and get you back up and running.
How do I train my staff to prevent ransomware attacks?
Ongoing education throughout the entire process is critical. Ensure that staff are aware of the dangers of opening attachments in unknown emails, or downloading software or apps onto work computers. Staff should be reminded of any internal policies designed to keep them away from sites not connected to their work – this should reduce the chances of someone visiting a site that is distributing ransomware.
Ongoing education can also help in preventing ransomware in the future, as well as setting up fail-safes (e.g., encrypting, anti-virus software, and advanced malware detection software) to prevent future attacks. This is a service we offer here at TechBrain, which will help your staff understand your
ICT policy and the reasons behind the protocols you have in place. This training includes how to spot suspicious links, what tactics are used by scammers to deceive users, and how ransomware attacks can be prevented and avoided.
How serious can a ransomware infection be?
A prime example of a devastating ransomware attack was the one caused by a bug called “WanaCrypt0r 2.0” or WannaCry. This attack exploited a vulnerability in Windows and spread via email. WannaCry is believed to use the EternalBlue exploit, which was developed by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) to attack computers running Microsoft Windows operating systems to gain access to terrorist computers. EternalBlue exploits a vulnerability in Microsoft’s implementation of the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol. This all sounds tricky to us everyday users, but to the devious experts it is child’s play. And they won’t stop. Be sure another ransomware attacker is waiting to exploit your vulnerabilities. Despite the fact that the vulnerability was resolved by the security update (MS17-010) provided by Microsoft on March 14, 2017, many Windows users had still not installed this security patch when, on 12 May, the WannaCry ransomware attack used the vulnerability to spread itself. This attack was unique because it used a worm. Worms differ from common Ransomware in that they can exploit weaknesses within the operating system, meaning that they do not require access to files and folders of local systems in order to spread. They utilise vulnerabilities that allow for remote code execution. Ransomware variants like these crop up all the time, and cyber security is more important than ever. WannaCry impacted more than 200,000 victims in nearly 150 countries around the world. It is vital that you act now to stay ahead of future attacks.
Can you share some tips on how to prevent ransomware attacks?
Of course! The risk of ransomware infection can be mitigated in the following ways:
- ● You can start by using a trustworthy Virtual Private Network (VPN) – especially if you’re forced to use public Wi-Fi. This simple application can save you a potential ransomware incident.
- ● Scan your incoming emails and content with a mail server filter and anything available to weed out a potential cyber attack.
- ● If you use a company computer then alert your IT department as to your travels and needs so they can be aware of a potential ransomware threat.
- ● Improve discovery and backup with active archiving.
- ● Use Endpoint Protection with zero-day threat protection and ransomware detection built in. This looks for suspicious behaviour, backs up files and blocks processes.
- ● Lockdown user permissions to ensure you restrict the damage that processes can do.
- ● Implement UAC and policies to block script and processes from executing from temporary and system folders.
Or, for complete peace of mind, you can leave it all up to the experts! Reach out to one of our IT security specialists to discuss your needs and concerns, and for expert advice or an
IT vulnerability assessment. Get in touch today for a free consultation about our ransomware recovery services for your business in Perth or anywhere in Australia.
