5 Common Myths & Misconceptions about Ransomware

Ransomware is different from the typical malware, in ransomware attack the data is encrypted and the decryption key is not given until attackers get the asked ransom whereas malware damages the software or disables the system. Ransomware has, unfortunately, became the global issue for the companies around the globe. Ransomware can be the most frustrating and expensive cyber-attack that any business can have. Although after so much information of the ransomware threat especially after the WannaCry pandemic, many myths about ransomware continue to plague the community.

Myth. Only Windows OS is affected by Ransomware.
Fact.   MACs are as vulnerable to ransomware as Windows, even some specific ransomware programs for MACs are also developed as they were identified and reported. Symantec has noticed an increase in attacks on Macs that began at the end of 2016 and accelerated during 2017.

Myth. Ransomware attackers only target big companies.

Fact. Small-scale companies are targeted for ransomware equally. Researchers have found that almost one-third of small businesses were attacked by ransomware in 2017 and every 1 in 5 company went out of business due to it. An average ransom amount was around $544. This shows that not only big companies are being targeted but also smaller ones are under attack too. The hard reality is that no one is safe and everyone is at risk.

Myth. Attackers give your data back if you pay the ransom.

Fact. No one can trust the criminal even after fulfilling their demands. Unfortunately, around 50.6% victims would not get their data back even after paying ransom amount and lost their data anyway. According to CyberEdge the better idea is not to pay the ransom but restore your data from any backup plan instead.

At Whitehats, We always recommend our clients to keep their data backed up locally as well as remotely. Our range of data backup solutions in Dubai is designed to keep your data protected from all types of ransomware attacks and natural disasters.

Myth. Everything will be okay if you have a backup.

Fact.  Unfortunately, this is true. The cost of loss of disruption that ransomware brings can be as high as US$8,500 every hour. Even if the data is restored from backup, money is lost even though due to disruption. Even with the firewalls and backup plans, no one is truly protected from the economic and reputation damage of the ransomware attack. However, data backup solutions can save you from permanent damage. You can easily recover from such attacks.

Myths. Ransomware attacks are targeted and refined.

Fact. Ransomware attacks are not well planned at specific organizations and institutions, most of the attacks are random. Criminals are after anyone.

Almost everyone gets spam emails which is the main source of distributing ransomware. The problem started with the small task of just clicking on some random attachment or link which is distrustful. People with less information become the victim and download the unknown material which results in Ransomware or any other types of virus infection. Campaigns of spam email are run in this hope by criminals. That’s why cybersecurity training is necessary at the individual level. In addition to that Antispam solutions should also be deployed with Antimalware solutions.

Conclusion.

Fake news and wrong information is all over the internet about everything and so about ransomware. Here are some safety tips for your business:

• Get news about everything and especially IT news from a reliable source.

• Get help from a reliable Managed IT service provider.

• Keep yourself and your employees informed about the latest emerging threats related to ransomware.