Ransomware: Back up your data, or else!

Back up your data or else

Ransomware RansomwareRansomware is a type of malware that restricts access to your computer or your files and displays a message that demands payment for the restriction to be removed. The two most common means of infection appear to be phishing emails that contain malicious attachments and website pop-up advertisements. is one of the most frightening looking and sounding cyber threats you might encounter online. But ransomware doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Being prepared can make it a whole lot less scary — like reciting what to say 600 times before you make a phone call.

Malware MalwareMalicious software ("malware") designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system, without the owner's consent. Common forms of malware include computer viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, and adware. It can: • Intimidate you with scareware, which is usually a pop-up message that tells you your computer has a security problem or other false information. • Reformat the hard drive of your computer causing you to lose all your information. • Alter or delete files. • Steal sensitive information. • Send emails on your behalf. • Take control of your computer and all the software running on it. is malicious software SoftwareA computer program that provides instructions which enable the computer hardware to work. System software, such as Windows, Linux or MacOS, operate the machine itself, and applications software, such as spreadsheet or word processing programs, provide specific functionality. created to damage your

data
device
network
 

2 in 5
Canadians have been a victim of malwareⁱ

One type of malware is
ransomware
which locks your device until you pay a ransom

(the name kind of gives it away)

 
63%
of Canadians are concerned about financial loss from cyber threats ⁱ

35%
of Canadians are concerned their personal data will be held for ransom ⁱ
 

It works like this:

1. You accidentally download ransomware
2. It locks your screen or encrypts your files
3. You get a popup explaining the terms of the ransom
4. Your data is held hostage until you send money   (and even then you might not get it back)

Ransomware and phishing PhishingAn attempt by a third party to solicit confidential information from an individual, group, or organization by mimicking or spoofing, a specific, usually well-known brand, usually for financial gain.  : Partners in cybercrime

 
67%
of ransomware comes from spam SpamAny unsolicited commercial electronic message. It is often a source of scams, computer viruses and offensive content that takes up valuable time and increases costs for consumers, business and governments. Canada's anti-spam legislation applies to all commercial electronic messages. A commercial electronic message is any electronic message that encourages participation in a commercial activity, regardless of whether there is an expectation of profit. and phishing emails ⁱⁱ

46%
of ransomware impersonates authority figures like law enforcement ⁱⁱⁱ
 

Be prepared to not  pay

Backing up Backing upThe procedure for making extra copies of data in case the original is lost or damaged. your files and devices offline lets you recover your data without losing money.

 
54%
of Canadians back up their data on an external hard drive ⁱ
 
46%
of Canadians back up their data to the cloud ⁱ

15% of Canadians never back up their files ⁱ

and if their devices get infected with ransomware, they’re gonna have a bad time.

If your device is infected with ransomware, don’t panic!

 
Avoid paying if you can
It can open you to repeat attacks

Disconnect all devices
Ransomware can spread through networks

Remove the malware
Or get someone who knows how to help
 

Get more tips to protect yourself and your devices at
GETCYBERSAFE.CA

ⁱ Get Cyber Safe Awareness Tracking Survey, EKOS, 2020

ⁱⁱ Datto’s Global State of the Channel Ransomware Report, Datto, 2019

ⁱⁱⁱ “I was told to buy a software or lose my computer. I ignored it”: A study of ransomware, Stanford University, 2019