Ransomware attacks are becoming more common nowadays, and it’s something that we all need to be aware of.
Just think of waking up one morning and realizing that all your crucial documents have been locked, and there’s no way you can see to have access to any of them.
Scary, isn’t it?
The reality of the situation is becoming worse considering the fact that nearly 4000 attacks of this malware are happening per day globally (Source: Spacelift, 2025).
To help with the current situation, we need to understand how to rectify the problem and fix the damages that have been caused by this virus.
This blog discusses different ways you can keep Ransomware away from your system data and networks, so go through it once.
Understanding Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware is a type of malware software that doesn’t allow you to have access to your computer files, networks, or systems.
And if you want to retrieve it, then in return it will demand a ransom, a kind of payment, from you to restore access to your data.
It’s often very tough to spot them as the attackers use digital currencies that are difficult to trace.
Cybercash such as Paysafecard or Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, are all used for ransoms which makes tracing and prosecuting the perpetrators quite challenging.
It’s a concerning truth that it will still take very long years to find the solution to fix this problem entirely, and at this time, we can either recover from or prevent this.
The data below demonstrates the statistics or impacts of Ransomware Attacks on various operating systems, so you must take a look at it!!
Ransomware Data Recovery Options
Ransomware attacks can leave one feeling powerless, but having clear recovery strategies can be beneficial.
Let’s analyze some methods for data recovery:
1. Restore from Backups
If you have a recent backup, it is one of the easiest and most secure ways to deal with ransomware.
Still, you have to make sure that your backups are fresh and that they remain clean before restoration.
2.Shadow Volume Copies
Shadow Volume Copies, also known as “Volume Shadow Copies”, or you can simply call them “Shadow Copies”, create point-in-time snapshots of your files and system.
It enables you to restore the previous version of your documents that have been accidentally deleted or have been attacked by ransomware.
3.Decryption Tools and Services
As some ransomware variations have publically available decryption tools, you can easily restore your files without having to pay the ransom.
Different types of ransomware have certain decryption services which are offered by almost all cyber security companies.
Do You Know? The first ransomware attack was in 1989 when AIDS researcher Joseph Popp sent infected floppy disks to AIDS researchers at a WHO conference. The attack was carried out in the healthcare sector.
Prevention: Your Best Recovery Strategy
Technology is constantly evolving, and so are the strategies for preventing and recovering data and networks from ransomware infection.
Backup Regularly
Make it a point to back up your necessary files on an external hard drive, or a safe cloud service regularly.
Having this approach makes you prepared if something unfortunate happens, and it should happen automatically.
Update Your Software
Your system and apps need to be updated and the same goes for the operating system as well.
The old versions are usually targeted easily by ransomware so by making sure you are up to date, you are ensuring that further problems are kept at bay.
Use Strong Passwords
You need to stop using passwords that can easily be guessed by anyone such as 12345 or your name or birth date.
You better settle for a strong master password that is extremely challenging for any hacker to get a hint of.
Be Careful with Emails that Seem Suspicious
You must always verify before you tap or download an attachment from an email, particularly if it is from an unfamiliar person.
Ransomware emails are usually the first leap toward gaining access so you must be careful.
Install Security Software:
Last but not least; no matter if you consider it necessary or not, you must use antivirus and anti-malware applications to secure your devices.
They will assist in spotting and counteracting hostile files before any real harm is inflicted on your devices.
When to Consider Paying the Ransom
Ransomware is on the rise, so in certain extreme cases, paying the ransom might even become the only option.
Such as if there aren’t any backups available from which businesses or individuals can restore their sensitive data, then they can severely find themselves in a dire situation.
And if data is indeed very critical, paying ransom could be the fastest route towards getting operations back up and running.
But before anything, it is pivotal to understand the risks you might face when taking this step.
This action of yours can encourage the scammers involved in this cybercrime, or there are chances that the attackers might not provide access even after payment.
Conclusion
You, as a business operator, need to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals who are constantly using ransomware.
What is foremost you can do is educate your staff on the dangers of ransoms, teach them about data recovery options, and equip them with quality anti-virus software.
As any shade of cyberattack can be highly damaging to your company, taking steps to ensure that every employee in the workplace is following the safety measures is pivotal.
Upasna Deewan
