Prevent Ransomware Attacks – CRI Advantage

1. RANSOMWARE EXPLAINED: www.criadvantage.com

2. WHAT IS RANSOMWARE? Ransomware is one of the most pressing cyber threats for businesses and government institutions – it’s an ever- evolving piece of malicious software (malware) designed to encrypt files on a device and render them unusable unless it gets decrypted. That’s how cyber-criminals “kidnap” your data and threaten to sell or leak it if the ransom is not paid. Ransomware attacks vary in scale and impact – they can be targeted at a private business to extract money or utilized as a digital weapon by nation-states. Whichever the case, the financial and reputational damages can be severe.

3. HOW RANSOMWARE WORKS? There are several ways ransomware can access your device and take hold of your data. Here are some of the most common tactics that malicious actors employ: Phishing: phishing attack is when cybercriminals impersonate trusted contacts or organizations and send you an email with a seemingly legitimate file attachment or a link. The files/links are executable, and once you download or click on them, the ransomware attack is triggered. 01 02 Exploit kits: another popular tactic is the development of exploit kits designed to take advantage of vulnerabilities in applications, networks, or devices. This type of ransomware can infect any network-connected device running outdated software.

4. Malvertising: Ads are different yet common ways for attackers to distribute malware. The malicious software gets embedded in a fake online ad, and while a lot of people think that only dodgy websites have these, the unfortunate reality is that even a trustworthy website can be compromised. 03 Once the ransomware gains access to your device, the data hostage-taking is triggered, and your information – personal or business – is compromised. Depending on the strain, a ransomware attack works by encrypting files or locking up your entire device. The ransomware then displays a ransom note with demands for a decryption key. While your device is infected with ransomware, any attempts to open your encrypted files will most likely be met with an error message informing you that your files are corrupt, invalid, or cannot be located.

5. HOW TO PREVENT RANSOMWARE? HERE ARE A FEW BEST PRACTICES YOU CAN START TODAY TO PREVENT A RANSOMWARE ATTACK: Keep your software updated Back up your system regularly Use an adblocker Healthy skepticism Use antivirus software

6. WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A RANSOMWARE ATTACK? pay the ransom. For starters, there is no guarantee that you will get your data back, and by paying, you will only further encourage malicious actors in their attacks. Let security experts handle the situation. If you don’t have a full-time expert on staff, you can always reach out to external consultants such as CRI Advantage that will help you prevent such attacks and help you resolve them if they ever occur. If you end up with a ransomware attack on your hands, do not

7. If you want to safeguard your business from ransomware attacks and other online security threats, but don’t have the budget for a full- time expert, reach out to CRI Advantage Cybersecurity Services. WWW.CRIADVANTAGE.COM

8. CRI ADVANTAGE THANK YOU! wwwcriadvantage.com