Welcome to the final week of Cyber Security Awareness Month! This week, we’re addressing one of the most destructive threats facing all of us, both professionally and personally: Ransomware.

Ransomware Impacts: What’s at Stake?

Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts your files, making them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. The impact is significant, whether it hits a work server or your home photos:

• Data Loss: If proper backups aren't in place, you or your workplace could lose critical operational files, staff/student records, or cherished personal photos and documents permanently.
• Downtime and Access Loss: At work, operations stop instantly. At home, you lose access to your computer and devices, leading to immediate frustration and delays.
• Financial Costs: This includes the direct cost of the ransom (which we never recommend paying), plus the extensive cost and time required for system recovery.

How to Spot an Attack

Since ransomware often starts with a user accidentally clicking something, learning to recognise the initial entry points is your first line of defense:

• Unexpected Attachments: Be wary of emails with attachments (especially compressed files like ZIP or executables like .exe) that you weren’t expecting, even if they seem to come from a known sender.
• Suspicious Link Destinations: Always hover your mouse over a link before clicking it. If the link URL doesn't match the sender or the destination name, it's likely malicious.
• Sudden Performance Issues: Unusually slow computer performance or access to files, especially right after clicking a new link or downloading a file, can be an early sign of infection spreading.

How to Prevent a Ransomware Infection

The best strategy is prevention. By following these steps, you build strong defenses against ransomware on both your professional and personal devices:

• Backup, Backup, Backup: Ensure all your critical personal data (photos, personal documents) is backed up regularly to a secure, off-line or separate storage location. Ensure all your work files are saved either on a network drive, or in Google drive, as these locations are backed up automatically. A good backup means a ransomware attack is merely an inconvenience, not a catastrophe.
• Keep Software Updated (Patching): Always install operating system, browser, and application updates immediately. Most ransomware exploits known vulnerabilities that patches fix.
• Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enabling MFA on all your important accounts (email, banking, social media, work accounts) prevents hackers from using stolen credentials to gain access and deploy malware.

Following these steps significantly reduce your risk in every aspect of your digital life.