4 Signs of a Ransomware Attack

4 Signs of a Ransomware Attack

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Ransomware is one of the fastest-growing methods of cyberattacks due to its high rate of effectiveness. If we backtrack to 2015, there were only a reported 360,000 ransomware attacks globally. In 2020, we saw an average of 200 million ransomware attacks worldwide.

Ransomware specifically revolves around a cybercriminal gaining access to a system or network and then locking or encrypting sensitive files and information in exchange for payment. 

If you or your business does not have proper backups in place, your information could get lost indefinitely. This is why it is crucial to have a proper response plan in place as well as diversified data backups.

Who’s The Main Target?

The increase in online traffic due to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic and the general advancement of technology has cultivated a much larger pool of potential targets for cybercriminals and hackers. 

Online platforms were somewhat unfamiliar territory for those transitioning to full-time remote work and this is where we saw a large spike in human errors and malicious attacks. 

Ransomware does not strictly target large corporations. Individuals, small to medium-sized businesses, schools, government organizations, banking institutions, and a huge array of other industries are also on the receiving end of many of these attacks.

No one is safe from cybercrime, so you need to be prepared for anything.

Signs To Look Out For

Besides the obvious message of a ransom, here are 4 signs you should look out for in your systems and networks. If you notice any of these signs, you could be experiencing a ransomware attack and you should act fast. 

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What To Do If You Notice These Signs

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If you notice these signs, you are recommended to take the following steps immediately:

1. Disconnect all networked computers from one another (unplug & turn off wifi)
2. Disconnect your environment from the internet altogether
3. Unplug any backup systems from your system/network
4. Contact your IT provider or Cyber Unit (1855-43-CYBER)
5. Preserve the affective computer drives as they may contain evidence you will need
6. Avoid communication with the cybercriminal and do not pay the ransom, as this does not guarantee you’ll get your information back safely and you may find yourself in a further financial loss.

We’re here to help. Cyber Unit offers next-level incident response and our team of highly skilled and experienced cybersecurity experts are here to walk you through the next steps. 

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