How to Prevent Ransomware on PC: Essential System Security Tips

Ransomware has impacted the livelihoods of unsuspecting victims, as the ability to remotely encrypt users’ files poses one of the greatest threats to individuals. There are cases where attackers have launched attacks on unsuspecting users while they attempt to install cracked or modded software. These issues have been ongoing for ages, while the attack usually demands for money, there are 30% chances user’s files will not be decrypted. In this article, you will learn more about ransomware and how to prevent future attacks.

Table of Content

1. What is Ransomware
2. How Ransomware Works
3. How to Detect Ransomware
4. Best Ransomware Removal Tools
5. How to Prevent future attacks
6. Conclusion

Prerequisites

Readers are expected to have basic computer skills such as downloading, installing and removing softwares.

What is Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that allows an attacker to gain remote access to a user’s computer and perform an unauthorized data encryption to all documents on the system. After this process, the attacker often contacts the user, performs an unlock demo, and then demands money to decrypt the remaining documents.

The history of ransomware dates back to 1989 when Joseph L. Popp, a biologist, used floppy disks to target 20,000 attendees of the World Health Organization AIDS conference.

How Ransomware Works

Ransomware operates in a simple yet devastating manner that can be challenging to overcome without the right tools. Here’s how a typical ransomware attack unfolds:

1. Initial Infection: Unless it’s a targeted attack on a high-profile individual, an average PC typically gets infected in one of two ways: a) By installing modified or cracked software from a malicious website. b) By clicking on a malicious link sent via email.
2. Code Execution: Once the malicious code is on the user’s PC, it establishes a connection to the attacker’s server.
3. File Encryption: The ransomware begins by performing data encryption on user’s documents and files.
4. Ransom Demand: After encryption, the attacker contacts the victim, often demonstrating the ability to unlock a few files, and demands payment for full decryption.
5. Uncertain Outcome: Even if the victim pays, there’s only a 50% chance of recovering all files, as some attackers demand additional payments or fail to provide decryption keys.

How to Detect Ransomware

Detecting ransomware quickly is crucial for minimizing damage. Also, there will be increase in inability to open common files and files will become encrypted without your permission. The PC will keeps on restarting unexpectedly and applications get crashed frequently. With all these mentioned, it means the system has been infected with the ransomware. Here are several signs that your PC might be infected:

1. System Behavior: 
   — Unusual CPU and disk activities
    — Suspicious processes in Task Manager (press Ctrl + Alt + Del to check) 
   — Unexpected system restarts
    — Frequent application crashes 
2. File Behavior: 
   — Inability to open common files 
   — Files becoming encrypted without your permission If you notice these signs, your system may be infected with ransomware.

However, by using reputable antivirus software with real-time protection and utilizing anti-ransomware specific tools, this can help identify and remove threats before significant damage occurs.

Best Ransomware Removal Tools

There are tons of anti-ransomware tools available for uses, however with each tool with its potential, here are some 4 best tools to use:

1. Norton
2. McAfee
3. BitDefender
4. Kaspersky

How to Prevent Future Attacks

The best way to prevent future attacks is to stop ransomware from infecting the system because it is easier to prevent than cure. Removing ransomware from an infected PC is always a tedious tasks. 

Here are steps to take to have a secured PC: 

1. Keep OS and softwares updated: 
   Keeping OS and softwares updated help reduce attacks due to security updates and patch that prevent attackers running malicious code based on vulnerability on current software or OS version.
2. Be cautious with email attachments and links:
   Avoid clicking links or downloading email attachments that arose suspicious. Most time these links contains code that can trigger admin access on User’s PC without permissions 
3. Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software: 
   Using reputable protection software also help to provide real-time protection which prevent attackers from running malicious code.
4. Regularly back up data to an offline source: 
   Backing up data to an external offline source like the usb flash or hard driver helps to prevent user’s data from getting infected. Apparently, this works when the PC has been infected so it will be easier to restore or get access to the data since it has been saved to an external source.

Conclusion

Ransomware poses a significant threat to individual users and businesses alike. While removing ransomware from an infected PC can be challenging, prevention is key. By implementing robust security measures such as keeping software updated, being cautious with email attachments, using reputable antivirus software, and regularly backing up data, users can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to ransomware attacks. Remember, staying informed about the latest PC and cybersecurity threats and best practices is crucial in maintaining a secure digital environment. 

Remember, when it comes to ransomware, prevention is always better than cure. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and keep your digital life secure!
Have questions about ransomware prevention? Leave a comment below, and let’s discuss how to keep our systems safe together.