Cyber-attacks often make front-page news. At the heart of these attacks are ransomware assaults on company files. Let’s take a closer look at what they are, how they infiltrate our IT systems, and how to protect yourself.
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts files on a phone, computer, or server, then demands a ransom in exchange for the decryption key needed to recover the files. It effectively “takes hostages” and demands a ransom.
The term “ransomware” is a combination of “ransom” and “software”. In French, it is sometimes referred to as “rançongiciel”.
Ransomware can penetrate computer systems in various ways, including:
- “Phishing”: you receive a seemingly legitimate email containing a malicious link or infected attachment.
- “Exploits”: hackers exploit known vulnerabilities (“Exploits”) in software or operating systems to install ransomware.
- Infected USB devices: like all computer viruses, ransomware can spread via infected USB devices.
- Poorly secured company networks: hackers gain access to a company network using social engineering techniques, vulnerabilities in network devices, and overly accessible computer racks.
In the face of these compromise techniques, there are best practices for significantly reducing the risk of ransomware infection:
By following these tips and remaining vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to ransomware. However, no system is infallible, and it is essential to have a complete and up-to-date backup of your data in case of need.
Our teams are available to answer any questions you may have.
