Ransomware is an evil that can affect a company's business in such a way that it makes it impossible to access its own files. Your company's data is among its most precious assets, right? And what would you do if you could no longer access it?
Despite the panic that this possibility may cause us, the 4th Digital Security Report in Brazil , by PSafe, revealed that Brazilian companies pay attention to information security . This is because, according to the report, 120.7 million cyber attacks were identified in the first half of 2018 alone.
The records are alarming. That's why we've dedicated this article to explaining what ransomware is and what you can do to protect your company. Check it out!
Content
What is ransomware?
Ransomware attacks in Brazil
How to protect your company from ransomware?
1. Keep in mind that ransomware is created daily
2. Be extra careful with email
3. Make backups periodically
4. Use the cloud
What is ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malware that invades a company's devices and steals its data and information. Unlike other attackers, this virus does not disclose the company's data. It acts like kidnappers demanding a ransom in exchange for the information.
The hijacker virus encrypts the operating system's data so that its owners no longer have access to it. The action is carried out in the background, without anyone noticing.
Once the hacker has all the data in hand, the company's computer receives a pop-up notification informing it that the machine is blocked and will no longer be usable until the "ransom" is paid. Generally, the amount demanded by criminals must be paid in virtual currency (bitcoin), as this makes it difficult to track who is receiving the money.
Read also: CRYPTOGRAPHY AND KEY MANAGEMENT: WHAT COMPANIES SHOULD EXPECT IN THE FUTURE
Ransomware attacks in Brazil
This powerful virus has already claimed victims all over the world, and cpa mailing list Brazil is one of the most affected countries in Latin America. A study conducted by Kaspersky Lab revealed that the country suffered 55% of the attacks from WannaCry , a ransomware epidemic that spread in 2017.
Public agencies were the ones that suffered the most at the time. The Court of Justice of São Paulo (TJ-SP), for example, had more than a thousand computers affected . Other agencies, frightened by the event, preferred to pause their activities and turn off the machines to avoid invasions.
The WannaCry ransomware quickly spread, hijacking computer information around the world. The virus affected businesses, government agencies, consumers, hospitals, and many other institutions. According to Avast, this is the most widespread type of ransomware in history .
It searches for networks that use the SMBv1 protocol, which is responsible for communication between computers and printers or other connected devices. The version of this protocol, created in 2003 by Microsoft, leaves computers exposed.
In March 2017, the company developed a fix for the system errors, which was still supported. However, those who did not install the program became a target of ransomware attacks.
WannaCry took advantage of this security flaw to encrypt files on computers and prevent their owners from accessing them. It then sent notifications demanding a ransom of $300 in bitcoins, which had to be paid within three days; otherwise, the price would double and the data could be erased.
How to protect your company from ransomware?
It is virtually impossible to recognize a WannaCry until your computer is infected. It spreads through the network until it reaches your PC, hijacking your data and preventing you from accessing your machine. However, there are ways to prevent an attack and protect your company. Check it out!
1. Keep in mind that ransomware is created daily
Hackers and cybercriminals are constantly developing new ransomware that is increasingly dangerous and powerful. Therefore, avoid using very old software that is no longer supported or updated. Update your operating systems frequently and use current security systems , such as Edge Firewall , for example.