How to protect your Windows PC from ransomware

• Ransomware is a profitable and common form of cybercrime that targets both companies and individuals, and it’s not going away anytime soon.

• Keep Windows up to date and enable ransomware protection to reduce the risk.

• Maintain data backups, use multi-factor authentication, and follow good security practices to protect your Windows PC.

Ransomware is a cybercrime that has become increasingly prevalent over the past decade and is not going away anytime soon. Here’s why it’s so productive and how you can protect your Windows PC from this attack.

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that codes The victim’s data and files, making them inaccessible until a ransom, usually in the form of bitcoin, is paid. Once the ransom is paid, the cybercriminal sends a decryption key that gives the victim access to their data. The data is unlocked, but sometimes the stolen data is held for a second ransom (this is called double extortion) to prevent the data from becoming public. The ransom can range from a few hundred dollars to millions of dollars in bitcoin, depending on the target.

Ransomware targets both companies and individuals

According to Chain analysis, Ransomware payments surpassed $1 billion in 2023, the highest number ever observed. It is an extremely lucrative form of cybercrime and the techniques cybercriminals use are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

Ransomware actors mostly target companies and institutions that provide crucial services such as healthcare and education. This not only prevents these institutions from providing essential services, but also puts their data at risk, which can have serious consequences for the reputation of the company, no matter how big or small.

However, some actors also target the average Internet user, which could put their personal and confidential data at risk. A common technique used by ransomware actors is to impersonate an official government agency and claim that the system lock is necessary for legal security reasons, and demand that a fine be paid to get your data back.

Best tip to protect your Windows PC

Often, these cyber criminals use reconnaissance tools to find weaknesses in scanned computers. If a computer has a vulnerability, for example if it is running an older version of Windows or if the operating system is not patched, it can be exploited. Cybercriminals often target older, unpatched versions of Windows, so it’s important to do that keep your Windows PC up to date with the latest version.

Not only do you need to keep your Windows machine up to date, but also any apps and browsers you may use.

Avoid getting infected in the first place

One of the most common methods by which ransomware is spread is via phishing. This can happen if a victim accidentally clicks a link in a phishing email or opens an email attachment, potentially infecting the computer with ransomware. Phishing can come in the form of emails, but you can also encounter it in social media posts or text messages. Avoid clicking on suspicious links and downloading attachments from unknown sources. Considering the risk of becoming infected with ransomware, it is essential that you Learn how to recognize phishing emails.

Enable Windows Ransomware Protection

Make sure Windows Security is enabled as this can provide protection against ransomware. To do this, click on the Windows Start menu (or press Windows+i on the keyboard), search for controlled folder accessand press Enter.

When the window appears, toggle the switch to On under Controlled Folder Access.

This feature can protect important local folders from unauthorized programs or malware, including ransomware.

Controlled folder access on Windows isn’t the only solution for ransomware protection. Be careful of other access points to the system.

Stay one step ahead of ransomware by making backups

It is important to have a strong data backup process as ransomware relies on you not being able to access your data and files. A solid backup system means that if the original data is ever encrypted by ransomware, you can still access the data.

Microsoft recommends saving important files Microsoft OneDrive Because OneDrive includes multi-factor authentication (MFA), built-in ransomware detection and recovery, and file versioning, you can restore the previous version of a file if you ever lose access.

Windows Backup is an additional option for local backups. Once this is setWindows backs up your data to the cloud via your Microsoft account and automatically keeps it up to date, even if something happens to your PC.

Windows Backup does not offer encryption, so it can still be targeted by ransomware unless it is saved to an external hard drive and disconnected after the backup is complete.

I also recommend that you make physical backups of your data and transfer them to a external hard drivewhich provides an extra layer of protection in case your cloud backups are ever targeted by advanced ransomware.

Simple habits to protect your Windows PC

Maintaining sound security practices also helps protect against ransomware and other cyber attacks. Here are some good practices:

Should you pay the ransom?

If you fall victim to a ransomware attack, the The FBI recommends not paying the ransomas paying the ransom does not really guarantee that you will get your data back, or that a second ransom will not follow. After all, there is no honor among thieves. It also encourages these cyber criminals to create more victims because of the money they make, and provides a financial incentive for others to also get involved in these types of illegal activities.

If you are a victim of ransomware, you should report it to the Internet Crime Complaints Center (IC3) which is managed by the FBI. Another good source to consider is US governments official source to tackle ransomware.

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Ransomware is a frightening phenomenon. Fortunately, there are options for Windows users to stay protected. Update. Update. Update. Don’t forget backups and always think twice before clicking links or opening attachments. You must also be wary of others common online scams and how to protect yourself against them.