Turn on anti-ransomware feature in Windows 10.
In light of the most recent high profile ransomware attack on the Colonial pipeline, what can you do to protect your organization from falling victim to a ransomware attack?
According to Firewall manufacturer SonicWall, Ransomware threats increased a massive 62 percent in 2020 compared to 2019 and it is showing no sign of slowing down. How many attacks?... over 304 million ransomware attacks in 2020 with the average payout over $220,000.
Of course, those are mainly businesses forking over that kind of money to attackers who are holding their data hostage. Small businesses in particular are disproportionately targeted, but facilitators of ransomware do also go after individuals.
One may think that if they can hack through the protection manned by large corporations what can I do? The large corporations have deep pockets that make them lucrative targets. However as stated above, individuals are targeted as well.
Windows 10 as well as most Security software firms have protections that provide extra layers of security but you must enable or properly configure them to work effectively.
You should routinely back up any important data, and as always, following smart computing habits (like not clicking on links in unsolicited emails) to tip the odds in your favor.
Read about steps you can take below if you are running Windows 10 and if you own Kaspersky security software.
Colonial Pipeline paid close to $5 million in ransomware blackmail payment
Colonial Pipeline paid close to $5 million in ransomware blackmail payment | ZDNet
Major US pipeline halts operations after ransomware attack
Colonial Pipeline Hackers Stole Data on Thursday, Ahead Of Shutdown: Bloomberg
Windows 10 has a built-in ransomware block, you just need to enable it.
Yes, that's right. Windows 10 Defender has Ransomware protection built in to it but you need to enable it. It is called Controlled Folder access. This feature prevents unwanted programs and applications from making changes to folders and files contained in the folders without permission.
By default when you turn on this feature your most critical folders are protected. You can add additional folders if needed and grant apps permission if blocked by the feature.
To read how to enable the feature and about it capabilities, please click the link below.
https://www.pcgamer.com/windows-10-has-a-built-in-ransomware-block-you-just-need-to-enable-it/
I've always been a big fan of Kaspersky anti-virus. It has gotten a black eye at times from the media and politicians because it is a Russian based firm. However, I've watched other anti-viruses on machines scanning/sending infected emails without catching the infected messages. We quickly resolved the issue by installing Kaspersky.
To provide ransomware protection, Kaspersky however needs to be properly configured. Please see the link below.
Kaspersky Users... do this to secure your PC against Ransomware attacks.
https://go.kaspersky.com/index.php/email/emailWebview?md_id=161706
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