7 Ransomware Myths

One of the most feared attacks in the digital world is the ransomware attack. But there are a number of misconceptions about the same and it is important that we are able to distinguish the facts from the myths about the ransomware.

What’s the difference between ransomware and typical malware?

Before we bust the ransomware myths it is important that we understand the difference between a typical malware and a ransomware.

Ransomware infects your system and encrypts all the data. You can get back your files only by paying the ransom. Whereas a typical malware is in the form of a virus or worm and you can get rid of it by resetting the system.

Here are the 7 common ransomware myths:

Myth 1: Ransomware attacks only big companies:

Many people feel that ransomware will target only the big fish. They feel that small and medium business will not be the targets. But the fact is that attackers feel that it is easier to attack a small or medium company rather than attacking a bigger one. They ask for money, which the victim can afford and it gives them a chance to make some quick bucks.

Myth 2: Decrypting solutions are available:

No, it is not easy to reverse engineer a ransomware threat. So if you feel that you can get a ransomware decrypting software by paying money, then chances are that you are being taken for a ride. There have been cases where the people have paid more money for these fake tools and software than they would have paid to the attacker.

Myth 3: Data encrypted by the attackers can be recovered from a backup:

Many people feel that they can recover the data from the backup without paying any ransom. But the sad truth is that this is not possible.

Myth 4: Main source of ransomware are deceitful websites:

If you feel that by staying away from deceitful websites you can keep ransomware away then you are wrong. Emails with malicious attachments are the main source of the attack.

Myth 5: I will be able to identify the malicious emails:

You may feel that staying away from the lottery and nasty product emails is enough. But the fact is that most of the times ordinary and genuine looking emails are the source of the ransomware attack.

Myth 6: Most of the attacks are fake and there is a rare possibility of the attack:

No, they are not fake and you can end up losing a large amount of sensitive data. These attacks are not rare either. Remember that technically sound criminals can be behind these attacks and you may end up losing a lot of data.

Myth 7: Perimeter solutions that your company is using is the best:

Most of the times, the companies make use of old firewalls and outdated perimeter solutions. Now these outdated tools cannot protect you from a ransomware attack. It is therefore important that you make use of the latest solutions to protect your system.

These are some of the common myths about the deadly ransomware.