What is Ransomware and Phishing?

WHAT IS RANSOMWARE AND PHISHING?

In this video, we’re going to spill the tea on two of the most common cyber-attacks you need to watch out for: Ransomware and Phishing.

 

First up, Ransomware. Imagine waking up one morning to find that all of your important files have been encrypted and held hostage by hackers, demanding a ransom in cryptocurrency. Yeah, it’s not a fun thought, but it’s a reality for many. In 2017, the WannaCry ransomware attack affected over 300,000 computers in 150 countries. How can you ensure you do not become the next victim of this sinister scheme? We’ll let you know in a bit.

 

Coming to Phishing. It’s more or less like fishing, but instead of catching a fish, cybercriminals are trying to hook you into revealing your personal information. It could be an email from your bank, social media account, or a seemingly legit source. But it’s not. In 2017, a phishing attack disguised as a Google Docs invite fooled many, leading them to unwittingly give attackers access to their personal information.

 

An instance that happens more frequently these days, is where a fraudulent email that appears to be from PayPal (or other banks) claims that the recipient’s account has been compromised and will be deactivated unless they confirm their credit card details. The email includes a link that redirects the victim to a fake PayPal website (or other bank websites), where they are prompted to enter their credit card information to “reactivate” their account. This is a phishing attack designed to steal the victim’s sensitive financial information.

 

So, what now? How do we save ourselves? Well, worry not because we’ve got your back! Here are five ways to avoid falling victim to these attacks.

Keep your software up to date: Hackers often exploit security vulnerabilities in outdated software to launch their attacks. So, make sure you keep all of your software up to date with the latest security patches and updates.

Use anti-virus and anti-malware software: Install reputable anti-virus and anti-malware software on your computer or mobile device to protect against potential attacks. Keep the software updated and run regular scans.

Verify the source of emails and messages: Don’t blindly click on links or download attachments from suspicious emails or messages. Always verify the source of the email or message before taking any action. Check the sender’s email address and look for any signs of suspicious or unusual activity. Be cautious of suspicious emails and messages: Be on the lookout for red flags, such as spelling errors, urgent or threatening language, or unexpected requests for personal information. Always err on the side of caution and report any suspicious emails or messages to your IT department.

Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication: Use unique, complex passwords for all of your accounts, and never reuse passwords across multiple accounts. Consider using a password manager to help generate and store strong passwords. Additionally, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible, as this provides an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary form of authentication, such as a code sent to your phone or email.