Cybersecurity: why is it essential to protect yourself against ransomware?

In just a few years, ransomware has become the main cyber threat. Although they mainly affect businesses and public organizations, individuals are not immune to risks. In this context, it is essential to protect your devices and your personal data using dedicated security tools.

Contrary to popular belief, ransomware does not only target large companies. They can also target individuals, small businesses, non-profit organizations and public establishments. The latest developments in ransomware attacks are chilling. Over the past twelve months, the number of attacks has reached unprecedented levels and the forecast for 2024 is not optimistic. In addition to countless companies of all sizes, more and more public organizations will be among the victims of ransomware in 2023. Several large-scale threats against hospitals notably marked the year in France and around the world.

These offensives have often had serious consequences, disrupting the functioning of health establishments and endangering patient care. Ransomware can block access to computer systems and the data they contain. Once data is encrypted by ransomware, it is no longer possible to access it unless you pay the demanded ransom. From financial problems, to the disruption or even cessation of activity, including the irremediable loss of data, or even exposure to blackmail, the consequences of these cyberattacks are disastrous. To protect against these risks, it is essential to use an advanced security solution such as Bitdefender Premium Security Plus.

Ransomware: attacks on hospitals that marked the year

The year 2023 was particularly punctuated by the spread of ransomware targeting healthcare establishments such as Ardent Health Services (one of the largest hospital operators in the United States) or the Corbeil-Essonnes hospital in France, for example. example. These cyberattacks blocked computer software that tracks patient records and paralyzed emergency departments and operating theaters. In this context, thousands of patient medical records full of sensitive information are potentially in the hands of cybercriminals.

They can use this data to commit scams and carry out phishing campaigns. These will fuel cybercrimes such as identity theft, account takeover, tax fraud, etc. Ransomware attacks on hospitals pose a serious threat to patient safety, both medically and financially. Cybercriminal groups sometimes demand ransoms that can exceed a million euros.

How do ransomware attacks work?

Malicious ransomware deployments can be very difficult to thwart. Cybercriminals are developing increasingly sophisticated malware with advanced encryption techniques that are almost impossible to break. The most commonly used offensive vector remains phishing containing a malicious link or an infected attachment. Once a user clicks on a fraudulent link or opens a booby-trapped attachment, the ransomware enters the system. Cybercriminals also exploit security vulnerabilities in software or computer systems that have not been updated to inject ransomware.

This can then extend across the user or company network. Once it enters the computer system, the ransomware begins to encrypt critical data to make it inaccessible without a decryption key. The attackers then display a ransom demand (in the form of a page or pop-up) with cryptocurrency payment instructions to be able to recover the files. To put pressure on victims, the message usually displays a countdown.

What are the risks for people whose data has been exposed?

People whose data has been exposed following a ransomware attack are unfortunately at risk of suffering a number of damages. Starting with identity theft through which cybercriminals can open bank accounts, apply for credit cards, apply for loans, etc. The stolen data is also used to steal the victim’s identity to carry out a certain number of misdeeds: deceive their employer, block access to their online accounts, or even damage their reputation. In a large number of cases, criminals exploit personal data to create personalized phishing campaigns that become more difficult to detect. The emails contain booby-trapped links or attachments to inject malicious payload onto the victims’ system.

Whether an individual or a company, cybercriminals also use the information in their possession to blackmail their victims by threatening to disclose it to third parties or publicly. The consequences can sometimes be catastrophic. The risks involved depend on the type of data exposed. When it comes to financial information, for example, victims are more likely to experience identity theft or phishing attempts. If it is sensitive information such as medical information, personal photos/videos, customer databases, contracts or even trade secrets, it is more likely that victims will experience identity theft or blackmail.

Bitdefender Premium Security Plus: solid anti-ransomware protection

Bitdefender Premium Security Plus anti-ransomware protection is recognized as one of the most effective on the market. The software protects your documents, images, videos and music against all types of ransomware attacks via “Advanced Threat Defense” proactive detection technology. It continuously monitors applications running on the system and uses heuristics to detect unusual or suspicious behavior of running processes or files. This protection enabled by default does not require any specific user action.

If a threat or malicious process is detected, Bitdefender intercepts it even before it can infect the device with ransomware or malware. The security suite also includes a “Ransomware Remediation” functionality generally reserved for professional solutions. The latter automatically backs up the files (documents, photos, videos, music, etc.) on your system in order to be able to restore them in the event of encryption by ransomware.

Once a ransomware attack occurs, Bitdefender blocks malicious processes and starts a cleanup. A powerful feature that allows you to recover all of your data and avoid having to pay a ransom. Bitdefender Premium Security Plus also includes an identity protection system called Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection. It includes different tools to manage and protect your digital identity through the Bitdefender Central online management portal. To do this, the service continuously searches for traces of personal data on the Internet and on the dark web. If it detects a data leak, it alerts you and advises you on the measures to take.