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Tips to Prevent Ransomware Attacks

ransomware

In light of the cyber-attacks last week in London, Eng and also in Oshawa, ON I would like to share some tips and best practices for preventing/dealing with a cyber attack.

I sent this information as an email to my clients, and would like to also share it here. This is a critical concern, as it was brought to my attention yesterday that some local websites in Uxbridge (none of mine) were hacked on Saturday.

From my past experience in IT and dealing with two Ransomware Attacks, I wanted to share some best practices on how to avoid malware/ransomware and also what to do if you are “attacked”.

  1. Tips to Avoid Getting “Malware” Through Email:

    • If you receive an email from an unknown sender:
      • Don’t click on any links or download any attachments
    • Check the email for spelling/grammar mistakes
    • Check the email address for unusual spelling/formatting

  1. Avoid Malware When Visiting Other Websites:

    • When visiting other websites, be careful what links you click on
    • Avoid clicking on ads, as some spam can embed itself onto unmonitored websites
  1. What to Do If You’re Attacked with Ransomware:

    • If you see a message that your files have been encrypted, and they are demanding money, SHUT DOWN YOUR COMPUTER IMMEDIATELY.
    • If you are on a shared network, SHUT DOWN ALL OTHER COMPUTERS IMMEDIATELY.
    • If you are on a shared network, INFORM THE NETWORK ADMIN IMMEDIATELY.
    • What you’ll have to do afterwards is take your computer/laptop to a repair specialist (BestBuy, etc.) and they can restore your computer to a back up
    • If you do not shut down your computer immediately the ransomware will spread to the server and every device connected to it.

This is why it’s critical to back up your laptop/computer regularly.  Whether it be to the Cloud (iCloud, Google Drive, etc.) or a Portable Device (USB HDD)

  1. Steps Taken by Rosewood VA to Prevent Attacks:

    • To reassure my clients, I take every preventative measure to ensure Malware does not attack your website
    • I ensure all updates are done as they occur, keeping everything up to date
    • I monitor User Activity and Login Attempts to your website
    • I do regular backups as a precaution in case of an attack
  1. In Case of an Attack on Your Website:

    • In case of a successful attack on your website, I am notified immediately
    • I can suspend your website, so no further damage is done
    • I can restore the information from the backup
    • Working with your Host Provider we can ensure all traces of the attack/malware are removed

There is no way to be 100% secure.  Hackers are smart and are always finding new ways.  All we can do is take every precaution available, and have a plan of action in place in case of the worst.

If you have any questions about the security of your website, or notice anything suspicious, please contact me.

You can get in touch by telephone or email, or connect through FacebookTwitterLinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also sign up for our exclusive monthly newsletter for more great tips on social media marketing, SEO and websites!

Until next time,

Deanna

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