US politician and Texas Representative Michael C. Burgess has jumped into the malware fray with both feet, expressing an extremely strong opinion on the issue of malware attacks, saying he believes ransomware perpetrators should be “shot at sunrise.” He made this comment at the encryption hearing before a House subcommittee on Tuesday, May 24th, 2016.
Burgess’ comment is particularly notable in light of the considerable increase in ransomware strikes and the call to action for stronger Internet security measures.
Ransomware, like other malware, can infect a system or a network unbeknownst to users, and its insidious nature makes it all the more dangerous. At a later date, it begins working, affecting and restricting the proper functioning of the system/network. Ransomware infects files that are encrypted and which are to be decrypted; as a result of the infection, these files won’t get decrypted, and the total functioning of the system/network will be stalled to an extent, depending on the nature of the malware. Those affected would be forced to pay a ransom to restore the function of their network, to retrieve data, or to unlock the infected desktop(s), etc.
The US healthcare industry has been targeted by a number of different ransomware strikes in recent months. Authorities at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles forked over $17,000 as ransom in February to regain access to their network and vital patient records. The Methodist Hospital of Henderson, KY, had to declare an internal emergency after its network was infected with the Locky ransomware the following month. Ransomware strikes affect the functioning of file access, browsers, applications and more in many organizations and can easilty cripple the overall functioning of a business.
Burgess does have a valid point to make regarding ransomware attacks and internet security. Let’s take heed and do what we can to “shoot” ransomware, if not necessarily ransomware criminals. Let the government handle the criminals; we, at our end, can take strong steps regarding virus protection and virus removal to nip the menace in the bud and ensure minimum damage.
So, what virus removal measures should be adopted to combat ransomware? More important than removing ransomware would be to set up robust preventive measures, to ensure that systems and networks don’t get infected with malware in the first place. Let’s examine some basic Internet security measures – best practices really – to combat ransomware:
Conduct frequent and regular backup of data and important files.
Ensure that backup devices are not left connected to the system/network.
Use trusted anti-malware software like Comodo Dome or Comodo Advanced Endpoint Protection.
Update antivirus/anti-malware software regularly.
Ensure that Windows updates are downloaded and installed automatically.
Use Comodo’s automatic containment to prevent ransomware from accessing files or hard disk data.
Ensure that all OS patches and updates are applied properly and quickly.
Ensure that browsers are promptly updated to most current versions.
Maintain backups of websites in safe – preferably offsite – locations.
Properly monitor webpages, keeping an eye on unauthorized changes.
Ensure that best practice endpoint security measures are adopted.
Establish regular reviews and assessments of third party software running on the server.
Such basic Internet security measures will help keep ransomware at bay. Comodo’s automatic containment will keep you protected from all malware, including ransomware. But if you’re not using Comodo and you do get infected, an up to date backup could save you a lot of time and trouble and money as you pursue conventional virus removal techniques. (And might save you the trouble of “shooting” anyone at sunrise, sunset, or high noon).
