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Why Do You Need Ransomware Protection?

Hackers and cybercriminals are developing an increasingly sophisticated set of tools to get their hands on your valuable data. With ransomware fast becoming one of the most common types of attacks, we thought it’s time to break down exactly what it is and how to defend yourself against it. 

What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that either encrypts all of the files on your computer or completely blocks your access to the device altogether. The attacker then demands a ransom from you, usually in the form of cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, before they’ll give you back control of your files.

You might remember back in 2017 when news of the WannaCry virus hit the headlines. This attack affected more than 200,000 users in more than 150 countries and the malicious parties behind the incident demanded a $300 Bitcoin ransom to unlock victims’ devices.  

Ransomware isn’t just limited to large-scale incidents like this, though. Every day millions of small-scale attacks are launched, often disguised as innocent attachments to emails. Almost all of us have seen examples of this land in the spam folders of our inboxes, and if you’re one of the lucky ones not to have seen this before, that will likely change in the near future.

How Does It Work?

There are several methods used to launch a ransomware attack, but by far the most common is phishing emails. The attacker will send a message masquerading as a legitimate email, usually pretending to be a big name organization like Apple or Google, and will often have a link or attachment claiming to be for information relating to your account. 

However, once you click or download it, the ransomware strikes and starts to encrypt your files or lock your device. Emails aren’t the only vector of attack, and ransomware can hit your device if you’ve visited an untrustworthy website, used an infected USB, or even clicking on links in text messages on your mobile device.

Why Should You Have Ransomware Protection?

Having the most up to date protection is so important because if you don’t, there’s very little you can do to get your files and data back. With other types of malware and trojan, there’s a chance you can fix the issue with an anti-virus update or by taking your device to a computer engineer.

However, once your files are encrypted by ransomware, the only way to unlock them is by using a specific decryption key, which only the attacker holds. This can be particularly serious for companies or larger organizations that aren’t adequately protected, as the malicious program can quickly spread across your whole network. 

To make matters worse, new ransomware programs are being developed all the time, meaning you’ll need software that constantly updates to stay ahead of the game. 

Free or Paid?

 While we’ve seen significant improvements to free antivirus platforms over recent years, one of the biggest downsides remains that ransomware usually only comes as a paid add-on, with most of the top names in the industry charging for it. The good news is that you can get some incredibly cheap antivirus packages from the best providers.

Additional Features to Consider

It should go without saying that you should choose a platform that’s regularly being automatically updated. New ransomware is being released on the unsuspecting public all the time, and you need software that’s up to date with the latest attacks.

You should try and look for a tool that offers a built-in file recovery option too. This means in the unlikely event of your files being encrypted in an attack, your data will be safely backed-up to a cloud environment. This will completely negate the attack and you can access your files on another device at your leisure. Bear in mind this can get a little pricey if you’ve got a lot of data to store, though.

How We Can Help You Decide

By checking out our trusted reviews, blogs, and articles, you’ll be able to find a platform that works for your budget and protection requirements. Find out about all the latest features that can prevent you from falling victim to a devastating cyber attack.