All about Ransomware Attacks in Mac

All about Ransomware Attacks in Mac

Most of you must be wondering what ransomware has to do with Mac? Mac has held the impression of being secure against Ransomware attacks for years now. Attackers love challenges which is why their interest has over the years shifted from Windows to Mac. The number of attacks specifically designed for Mac OS are rapidly increasing. While there is no way to stop them, but you can avoid being a victim by following certain steps. Let’s get to know how.

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware which quietly gets installed on your machine.

It encrypts the data and asks for ransom to release it by making it impossible for the user to access the system or data. Once the malicious software is installed successfully, user receives a message which demands payment. The payment can be asked in any form, it can be in form of bitcoin or even payment transfer in an account.

Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Malware On Mac

How does it crawl into the system?

Ransomware is mostly spread by phishing mails (to get sensitive information like username, password and all financial details). The e mail can contain links to infected websites or can have an attachment with the infectious software. Once the user clicks on the link or downloads the attachment, the attack is carried out and encrypts files before user is able to take any action.

Also Read: What’s more secure: Mac or Windows

How to avoid it?

You cannot depend solely on a security software to protect your Mac from attacks. You need to follow some good practices and stay cautious to reduce the risk.

Here are some best ways that you can follow to stay safe:

1. Take Regular Backup of Data

You never know what all things are a threat to your data and how it can be compromised. Therefore, it’s a good practice to always be ready for such critical situations. The best way is to take regular incremental backup, encrypt it and upload it on cloud. This way you can stay protected and you don’t have to worry about the data.

2. Avoid Downloading Freeware

It is rightly said nothing is for free, same is the case with freeware. A free software can make you pay a lot. Usually cyber criminals hide malicious software inside the free products which gets installed on your machine. Therefore, one should avoid installing them until and unless necessary.

3. Update Your Mac Regularly

An effective way to avoid ransomware attacks is to keep your Mac up to date. Always install all the Mac updates released by Apple as they are security patched, which helps you to stay protected.

4. Don’t Follow Any Links Received in An E-mail

If you receive an email with links from an unknown source or sender, do not open them as they can be malicious.

5. Don’t Open Spontaneous Attachments

Cyber Criminals depend on the dilemma that user cannot tell if he wants a file or not. It is only if he opens the file that the air of confusion can be cleared. So, if you are unsure about a file do not open it, leave it out.

Also Read: Mac Malware: A Brief History

6. Beware of website adverts

Don’t rely on all the advert sometimes clicking on them randomly may make you a victim. It has been noticed that advertisements are used to spread malicious content.

7. Don’t install apps from untrusted sources

Avoid downloading any software from third party or untrusted sources. These sites bundle junk with the installers which infect your machine.

8. Don’t Use The Admin Account Always

As Admin account has all the rights, therefore for general usage don’t use an account which gives full permission access to everything.

Also Read: Essential Tips to Increase Mac Security

9. Enable Firewall

Always keep Firewall on stay protected. To enable, go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Security and Enable Firewall.

10. Never Leave Your Machine Unlocked

Always make it a habit to log off or lock your machine before leaving your system unattended.

Follow these simple steps to protect your system from attacks. Usually we miss out on small things which make us pay a huge price. Therefore, there is no harm to stay cautious rather than being a victim.

Also Read: All about Ransomware Attacks in Mac

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