Security Awareness Training Certification Texas | What is Ransomware?
WHAT IS RANSOMWARE? What is it? You may have heard the term “ransomware” in the news lately, but what is it? Ransomware is a malware-type infection that will hold a user’s files hostage – encrypting the data and demanding a ransom payment, usually in untraceable bitcoin, to regain access to the data. The encrypted files cannot be unlocked until the third-party has received their funds, at which time they will provide a decryption process. Security Awareness Training Certification Texas is your way to comply with HB3834 Texas. Some user’s have reported never receiving a decryption key after payment, or receiving one that does not work, whereas other users have paid the ransom and regained full access to their data.
Many protection software companies are dedicating a large amount of time and resources towards stopping ransomware attacks, but new workarounds are always in the works.
What do these hackers want from me?
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Most of these hackers appear to only want money and nothing more – most data that has been held hostage has not been leaked out, with a few exceptions. Security Awareness Training Certification Texas is a must for all government entities according to HB3834 Texas. Ransomware is, unfortunately, a big “business” – causing losses of around $5 billion in 2017. It seems that the percentage of attacks has decreased over the last decade, though, which is good news for individuals and businesses in the future.
Ransomware is still going to be a huge concern moving forward in the current world – these attacks are still very common, and targeting PCs/networks within areas like local government or hospitals has proven, unfortunately, very rewarding (many of these cases ask for ransom payment in excess of a million dollars). Healthcare organizations are estimated to be the target of about 45 percent of all ransomware attacks. Financial Institutions are also a common target – nearly 90% of these were targeted in 2017 by some form of ransomware-related infection.
Notable Recent Attacks
Security Awareness Training Certification Texas is required to pass HB3834 Texas.
Some of the more well-known (successful) attacks recently include:
CryptoLocker, TeslaCrypt, SimpleLocker (targeted mobile devices), WannaCry, NotPetya, and Locky – these have all taken different forms and infected the devices in different ways, but the end-result is still the same – they steal your data and demand your money.
How does my system become infected and what can I do to help prevent these attacks?
Most ransomware attacks in the past have come in the form of infected email attachments, but some more aggressive forms have been able to infect the system via security holes without any tricking of the user. Best practices to make sure you are protected against ransomware attacks include ensuring you have a paid (reliable) antivirus that is up-to-date at all times, that your system is always up-to-date with Windows Updates and patches, and to be very careful during your usage of the computer – do not open up attachments in emails from senders you do not know, follow unsolicited links or navigate to questionable websites when browsing online. However, a good way to avoid these is by Security Awareness Training Certification Texas is required to pass HB3834 Texas
At Click Computers, we recommend using MalwareBytes Premium software to help prevent all forms of malicious attacks – spyware, malware, adware, viruses, etc. As mentioned previously, even the most up-to-date software is not a 100% guarantee of an infection-free PC, but it is one of the best safeguards you can put in place.
How do I know if my system is infected with ransomware?
To determine if you’ve been infected by ransomware, you might look for a few obvious signs:
– Your system or software may become “locked” with a pop-up type message that gives direction on how to unlock it and retrieve your data
-You probably need Security Awareness Training Certification Texas is required to pass HB3834 Texas
-You find a text document on your desktop or within your file directories which contains a “ransom note” detailing specifics of their attack and requests
-All of your saved files will have new extension types and will not open up as they normally do (may receive some kind of corrupt file message).
Common file extensions seen during these attacks include: .ezz, .ecc, .exx, .xyz, .zzz, .aaa, .abc, .ccc, .vvv, .xxx, .ttt, .micro, .locked, .encrypted, .crypto, _crypt, .crinf, .r5a, .XTBL, .XRNT .crypt, .R16M01D05, .pzdc, .good, .LOL!, .OMG!, .RDM, .RRK, .encryptedRSA, .crjoker, .EnCiPhErEd, .LeChiffre, .keybtc@inbox_com, .0x0, .bleep, .1999, .vault, .HA3, .toxcrypt, .magic, .SUPERCRYPT, .CTB2, .CTBL and .locky
What do I do if I think my system is infected?
If you do see these signs of a possible attack, immediately disconnect your PC from the internet and network – there is a chance that this could infect other devices or file shares within your home or business. Security Awareness Training Certification Texas is required to pass HB3834 Texas
If you happen to suffer from any form of malicious attack on your PC, please give us a call and ask how we can help! Our technicians are trained on the latest remediation practices and can offer assistance with protecting the PC moving forward.
For more information regarding ransomware, visit: https://www.malwarebytes.com/ransomware/
Don’t forget that you need Security Awareness Training Certification Texas is required to comply with HB3834 Texas requirements.
Call Click Computers of Central Texas today to get your mandated required Security Awareness Training Certification Texas is required to pass HB3834 Texas. This is a bill passed by the State of Texas to required training of all users and employees of government entities in the State of Texas. This helps prevent ransomware and other cyber-security attacks.
Call today to have a 30 pluss year experience IT expert to come to your office and team your team the ins and the outs of Security Awareness Training Certification Texas is required to pass HB3834 Texas. You will be better equipped to handle mayhem like hackers.