5 Ways to Avoid a Cryptolocker Crisis

“You are infected. If you want to use your data again, pay us 300USD.”

Cryptolocker — a ransomware developed by cyber criminals that encrypts all the files on the infected computer and demand ransom to provide the user with a decryption key, has infected hundreds and thousands of computers all around the world and has collected up to $30 million in ransom so far. What makes this code highly destructive is that the decryption key, which can be used to regain access to the encrypted files, is available only with the hackers, and once the key is lost, the encrypted data is essentially lost forever.  

So, if you don’t want your computer to get infected by this ransomware that can lock all your personal and business files and restrict your access to them until you pay a ransom to the hackers, it is important that you follow the 5 safety tips given below that minimize your vulnerability against Cryptolocker.

1.    Backup Everything

There’s no way you can retrieve your data once Cryptolocker has infected your computer. Therefore, create regular backups. Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule to mitigate data loss risk due to Cryptolocker.

The 3-2-1 backup rule suggests you to:

          3 — Have three copies of your data

          2 — Keep the backups on two different media  

          1 — Have one offsite backup

Also, make sure that the data present on your portable hard drives and USB flash drives has been backed up too because Cryptolocker can infect your portable data storage devices as well.

2.    Cleanup Your Machine

When you have no other choice than to pay off the ransom, make sure that you have taken every possible measure to prevent the spread of this highly virulent infection. Disconnect the internet connection of the infected machine, turn off cloud backup services, and remove any portable storage device connected to the computer. Don’t forget to report the cyber crime to the relevant local or federal authority.

3.    Don’t Open Suspicious Emails

No matter how strong the temptation is, never open unsolicited emails or emails that imbibe suspicion or a sense of urgency. If you have accidentally downloaded an attachment that looks dodgy, immediately run an anti-virus program to kill any destructive codes present in it before they damage your computer.

4.    Control the Access Rights of Your Employees

The BYOD culture and excessive use and sharing of encrypted data have made networks more vulnerable to different types of ransomware. Review the access rights of your employees and offer only what’s necessary. Also, educate your network users regarding best data handling practices and guide them to contact the IT security personnel if they suspect an infection.

5.    Patch to Protect

Cyber criminals are exploiting on the vulnerabilities of Microsoft and Adobe to gain access to the users’ computers and infect them. Therefore, it is advisable that you keep your systems updated with the latest virus definitions and patches.

Using these tips, you can minimize your chances of getting a Cryptolocker infection.