The WannaCry Ransomware attack has spread to 150 countries. You can be the next target.

 What is Ransomware Attack?

1. Ransomware is a type of malicious software that carries out the cryptoviral extortion attack from cryptovirology that blocks access to data until a ransom is paid and displays a message requesting payment to unlock it.
2. It is similar to the kidnapping, but in this case instead of your family members your data has been taken away from you and they ask for extortion money.
3. Simple Ransomware may lock the system in a way which is not difficult for a knowledgeable person to reverse.
4. More advanced malwareencrypts the victim’s files, making them inaccessible, and demands a ransom payment to decrypt them.
5. The Ransomware may also encrypt the computer’sMaster File Table (MFT) or the entire hard drive. Thus, Ransomware is a denial-of-access attack that prevents computer users from accessing files since it is intractable to decrypt the files without the decryption

Why Ransomware creators and distributors target common people like you?

1. Because they don’t have data backups;
2. Because they have little or no cyber security education, which means they’ll click on almost anything;
3. Because the same lack of online safety awareness makes them prone to manipulation by cyber attackers;
4. Because they don’t keep their software up to date.
5. Because they often rely on luck to keep them safe online (I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard “it can’t happen to me”);
6. Because most home users still rely exclusively on antivirus to protect them from all threats, which is frequently ineffective in spotting and stopping ransomware;
7. Because of the sheer volume of Internet users that can become potential victims (more infected PCs = more money).

 How do Ransomware threats spread?

1. Spam email campaignsthat contain malicious links or attachments (there are plenty of forms that malware can use for disguise on the web);
2. Security exploits invulnerable software;
3. Internet traffic redirects to malicious websites;
4. Legitimate websites that havemalicious code injected in their web pages;
5. Drive-by downloads;
6. Malvertising campaigns;
7. SMS messages (which apply to ransomware that targets mobile devices);
8. Botnets;
9. Self-propagation (spreading from one infected computer to another);
10. Affiliate schemes in ransomware-as-a-service (earning a share of the profits by helping further spread ransomware).

How can you avoid and bounce from a Ransomware attack?

1. Keep your Windows Operating System and antivirusup-to-date.  Upgrade to Windows 10.
2. Regularly back-up your files in an external hard-drive.
3. Enable file history or system protection. In your Windows 10 or Windows 8.1 devices, you must have your file history enabled and you have to setup a drive for file history.
4. Use OneDrive for Consumer or for Business.
5. Beware of phishing emails, spams, and clicking malicious attachment.
6. Use Microsoft Edge to get SmartScreen protection. It will prevent you from browsing sites that are known to be hosting exploits, and protect you from socially-engineered attacks such as phishing and malware downloads.
7. Disable the loading of macros in your Office programs.
8. Disable your Remote Desktop feature whenever possible.
9. Use two factor authentication.
10. Use a safe and password-protected internet connection.
11. Avoid browsing web sites that are known for being malware breeding grounds (illegal download sites, porn sites, etc.).