Protection, ransomware

18 Tips to protect yourself from Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that locks down your computer until you pay a ransom. It usually happens after someone clicks on a link or opens an attachment.

Ransomware is becoming more popular because criminals are making more money per victim. If you’re not careful, ransomware will lock your computer and demand payments to unlock it. In this article, we’ll talk about how to protect yourself from ransomware attacks.

We’ll also look at why ransomware is becoming more common, and what you should do if you find yourself locked out of your PC. 

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files on your computer. Once encrypted, you won’t be able to access those files unless you pay the ransom demanded by the hackers.

Here’s how to protect yourself from ransomware:

1. Always Use Antivirus Software

Antivirus software protects your computer from viruses. Make sure you run an antivirus program every day on your PC. If you don’t use any antivirus software, you’re leaving yourself open for attack.

2. Don’t Download Malicious Files

Never download anything from untrusted sources without verifying its legitimacy first. Even if you think you found a trustworthy website, verify the URL of the webpage. Be careful about clicking links in emails, especially attachments.

3. Back Up Your Data Every Day

Back up your data regularly using cloud storage services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and iCloud. This will ensure that you can recover lost files should something happen to your computer.

4. Use Strong Passwords

Use unique passwords for each online account, including email accounts, banking accounts, social media sites, and other websites you visit frequently.

Make sure you use different passwords for each site you sign into, and change them often. Also, avoid using personal information such as birthdates, phone numbers, addresses, and Social Security numbers.

5. Change Your Password Often

Change your password often so hackers cannot guess what it is. Hackers may try to break into your account by guessing your password, either by brute force or dictionary attacks.

6. Install Third Party Apps Only From Trusted Sources

Install apps only from trusted sources such as Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Microsoft Store, etc. Avoid downloading apps from suspicious websites.

7. Update Your Operating System Frequently

Updating your operating system automatically updates it with patches and fixes for security vulnerabilities. It also ensures that you have the latest version of programs such as browsers and anti-virus software.

8. Delete Unnecessary Files Regularly

Keep your computer clean by deleting unnecessary files regularly. These include temporary files, cookies, cache, history, and browsing data.

Also delete old backups of important files. Deleting these files from your computer frees up space for new ones.

9. Disable Automatic Downloads

Downloading files automatically can slow down your computer. Turn off automatic downloads for apps such as Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Edge, Safari, iTunes, Spotify, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Go, Pandora, Amazon Video, Vudu, Plex, and many others.

10. Keep Your Computer Updated

Installing regular updates for your operating system and third party apps helps keep your computer secure.

11. Enable Two Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two factor authentication adds another layer of protection against hacking attempts. You’ll need to enter a code sent via text message or generated by a hardware device when logging into your account.

12. Consider Using Virtual Machines

Virtual machines are like stand-alone computers running inside your main operating system. They allow you to run multiple operating systems at once, which makes it harder for attackers to gain access to one operating system’s files.

13. Use a VPN

A virtual private network encrypts all of your internet traffic, making it more difficult for cybercriminals to intercept and steal your sensitive information.

14. Use Secure Browsing Modes

Many web browsers offer several modes of secure browsing. For example, in Incognito mode, no browsing history is saved on your hard drive. In Private Mode, no search engine history is stored. In Incognito Mode, no activity logs are kept.

15. Back Up Important Data

Backup your most valuable files frequently. This includes photos, documents, music, videos, and other media.

16. Don’t Reuse Passwords

Never reuse passwords across sites. Hackers who get hold of your login credentials can easily log into your accounts.

17. Be Careful When Opening Emails Attached With Links

When opening an email attachment, make sure that you’re clicking on the link within the email itself, not on a website that looks similar but isn’t actually linked to the sender.

18. Check Out The Privacy Policy Of Websites Before Giving Them Information

The privacy policy of websites states what personal information they collect, how they use it, and whether they share it with anyone else.

Ransomware has become a serious problem for people around the world. It’s not just a matter of encrypting files and demanding money anymore; it’s also a matter of making sure you have backups of everything you need. This article will provide you with several ways to prevent being affected by ransomware. Stay Safe and protected always.

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