How To Prevent Ransomware Attacks on Your Devices

Ransomware is one of the fastest-growing cyber attack vectors, making it crucial to learn how to prevent it. To prevent ransomware attacks on your devices, you should avoid clicking suspicious links and attachments, never insert random USBs into your device, keep your Operating System (OS) up to date, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when connecting to public WiFi and use a password manager to ensure your passwords are strong. 

Continue reading to learn more about preventing ransomware attacks on devices. 

What is a ransomware attack?

A ransomware attack occurs when cybercriminals infect a device with a type of malware known as ransomware and demand a ransom be paid for it to be removed. When ransomware infects a device, it prevents the user from accessing their data and files. In severe cases, ransomware can prevent users from accessing their entire device. 

It’s important to understand that paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee the victim will regain access to their device or data. Additionally, paying the ransom could lead to cybercriminals striking again with another attack because they’ll know the person is willing to pay it. The best way to protect against ransomware attacks is through prevention.

Tips to prevent ransomware attacks on your devices

Here are some tips to prevent ransomware attacks on devices. 

Don’t click on suspicious links or attachments

Ransomware can infect your device if you click on a malicious link or attachment. These links and attachments are often sent through phishing emails or text, with a message that sounds urgent. Once these links and attachments are clicked, they immediately begin downloading malware on your device. A cybersecurity best practice is to never click on links or attachments you weren’t expecting or are from unknown senders that you’re not sure are safe. 

Never insert a random USB drive into your computer

If you find a USB drive and are curious about the contents that may be on it, you could be putting yourself in danger by inserting it into your computer. If you’re unsure what the USB could contain, don’t insert it into your device because it could contain ransomware, which could restrict you from accessing your data or device. 

Keep your device’s OS up to date

Ransomware and other types of malware could be lurking on any part of the internet, which is why your device’s OS must be up to date. When software updates are delayed, your device is vulnerable to being easily infected because these updates contain security patches for known vulnerabilities. When these vulnerabilities are left unpatched, they open up a backdoor for cybercriminals to exploit with malicious software. As soon as an update becomes available for your device, software or applications, download it immediately. 

Never download apps from untrustworthy websites

Before downloading an app, it’s important to vet the app and website you’re on. Look at online reviews of the application and inspect the company’s website to ensure it’s legitimate. We recommend that you stick to downloading apps from legitimate websites that have a strong reputation for being safe and reliable. Another best practice is downloading apps from official app stores, such as Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store, because they vet all apps that are listed. 

Use a VPN when connecting to public WiFi 

Public WiFi networks, while convenient, are dangerous to connect to without additional security measures. This is because anyone can connect to public WiFi and intercept data being sent and received from your device. If you have no other choice but to connect to a public WiFi network, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN enables you to connect to public WiFi without placing yourself at risk of having malware, like ransomware, installed on your device since it encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address.  

Use a password manager

Most ransomware payloads are delivered after a cybercriminal has already breached a system using a weak or compromised password. Many people tend to use weak passwords because they’re easier to remember; however, they fail to consider that a weak password is also easy for cybercriminals to guess or crack. Instead of using weak passwords, you should use a password manager. Password managers not only help with the creation of strong passwords but they also securely store your passwords and autofill them for you. The only password you’ll have to remember is your master password, which acts as the key to enter your password vault. 

Keep your devices protected against ransomware attacks

Ransomware attacks can be devastating for individuals and organizations alike, making it important for everyone to implement preventative measures. Following basic cybersecurity best practices, such as keeping your device’s OS up to date and using strong passwords, can make all the difference in keeping yourself safe and preventing common cyber threats like ransomware from successfully targeting you. 

To see how a password manager can keep you protected from common cyber threats, start a free 30-day personal trial or 14-day business trial of Keeper Password Manager today.