Prevention of Ransomware with
Best Antivirus Software & Key for Removal
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that restricts access to an infected computer, usually through the systematic encryption of files on the computer's hard drive system to then demand the payment of a ransom, - usually in the form of crypto-currency (eg. Bitcoin) -, in exchange for the key to decrypt the data.
How Can You Avoid a Ransomware Infection?
• Making sure your Best antivirus software is up to date.
• Training workers on a regular basis to avoid attempts to impersonate (phishing).
• Subjecting workers to periodic tests through campaigns against identity theft, monitoring the result of the same through response rates, and setting policy formal penalty (after consultation with the departments legal and human resources) for violators repeat offenders.
• Blocking emails with extensions .js, .wsf, and .zip and macros at the email gateway or gateways. When possible, the following should be disabled commonly used attack vectors: Adobe Flash Player, Java, and Silverlight.
• If using JBoss, reviewing developer information on setting and hardening.
• Evaluating if the application's whitelist is compatible with our systems.
• Enabling automated settings for the operating system and the web browser. Strong network segmentation often reduces the impact of ransomware.
• Allowing strict identity and access management, using established principles of least privilege ("Need to know"), and limiting the rights of Local Management.
• Investing in an intrusion detection system to monitor for signs of malicious activity. Implementing (and testing) a plan regarding backups and data recovery, thus maintaining the sensitive data duly copied and protected in an independent and secure location (preferably offline). Sensitive data backups should not be accessible from local networks.
How Can You Deal With a Ransomware Infection?
• Infected computers must be disconnected from the network (both wired and wireless networks) as soon as possible.
• Assess the extent of the infection, try to identify the type of ransomware variant, and determine if the infected computers were connected to disk drives shared or non-shared network, to external hard drives, to USB or cloud storage systems. Further, you could try searching for some record or file listing that created the ransomware.
• Ransomware must be removed from affected systems (there are several free disinfection tools and payment for these purposes). The operating system must reinstall. It is suggested to carry out checks on the tools that are used. The following brands offer prestigious tools: BitDefender, Kaspersky Labs, Norton, and Protegent360 Antivirus Software.
• Proceed to restore the system from a copy of reliable security. A backup plan and Well-designed restoration are one of the measures of most important precautions against ransomware.
How to Act if You Don't Have a Backup of Your Data?
When restoring from a recent backup it is not possible or due to the risk that the operations remain at a standstill, many organizations choose to pay the ransom, especially when the amount is relatively low. In doing so, these organizations often find difficulties in obtaining the necessary amount of cryptocurrency (eg Bitcoin). In addition, time should be taken to think and reflect on how the transaction will unfold.
• You cannot expect any kind of good repute from thieves; the attackers could take the money and disappear, or the decryption code might not work. Neither there are guarantees that you are paying the right offender.
• Some types of ransomware can be decrypted with the right tools. We must find out what ransomware variant is involved and look for any legal decryption tool for it. Must beware of companies that claim they can 'break the encryption ”. Many variants of ransomware use commercial-grade encryption and forceful attacks brute against this type of ransomware is complicated or impossible. Also, pay attention to the source of any "decryption tool" so as not to cause further damage by downloading another piece of malware.
• We must think about how and to what extent we should contact criminals. Often times, ransomware that is accompanied by an extortion demand has a hotline or even specific web pages to guide victims about the payment protocol.
• There is the possibility of negotiating a lower price with the criminals, as well as trying to save more time by asking them to extend the deadline.
• It should be borne in mind that criminals most likely do not know what type of data is at risk, and they do not usually know the absence of backup copies. No identifying information should be shared with them. If they learn that the data is very sensitive, the ransom demanded could increase significantly.
• Some types of extortion come with a "proof of life" that could help you verify that the criminal has the ability to unlock the files. It is important to be very careful and think before accepting any files from these criminals.
• Acquiring bitcoin online can take between 3 to 5 business days in some cases. In general, bitcoin can be acquired through an exchange agency or broker. Prestigious exchange agencies in the United States require payment via ACH bank transfer (automatic clearing house), which takes several days.
• The process can be streamlined by using a credit or debit card at an exchange agency outside of the United States, but the risks are higher. Not all agencies are reliable. and those with a good reputation usually charge a higher transaction fee through their website as there is a high risk of fraud.
• If the amount in bitcoin is relatively low, obtaining bitcoin from a physical ATM may be the fastest option. Most metropolitan areas have a network of physical bitcoin ATMs where you can buy bitcoin in person.
• In order to use the acquired bitcoins, it is necessary to open a bitcoin wallet. The different types of wallets available are:
- Online bitcoin wallet: web access.
- Bitcoin hardware portfolio: a physical bitcoin device that you own.
- Bitcoin portfolio of software: an application that is installed on the computer or mobile device.
- Paper bitcoin wallet: physical paper with a private key.
• As a trusted insurance company, we cannot offer guarantees with respect to any exchange agency, wallet, or transaction with bitcoin. We also cannot guarantee that the transaction will lead to the recovery of the data.
I Have the Bitcoin and the Wallet and I Want to Pay
It is important to keep several things in mind. Are you willing to pay an unknown source? Do you need to assess any kind of regulatory or legal compliance aspect before using the organization's funds to pay a ransom? or make a payment to an unknown source?
• All files received from criminals should be scanned for malware.
• The decryption key should be tested on a backup of the encrypted data if possible so that it can be verified that it works without causing any potential data corruption issues on the encrypted data.
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