Phishing is the illegal activity of presenting as a reliable entity in an electronic communication in order to steal sensitive data, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers. CRI Advantage provides a comprehensive set of tools and techniques that can help identify and Prevent Phishing Attacks in advance. For more than 30 years, we have provided cybersecurity expertise and tools that protect organisations of all sizes against cyber threats. So don’t hesitate to contact us today! https://criadvantage.com/will-the-phishing-threat-ever-go-away/

1. RANSOMWARE
EXPLAINED:
www.criadvantage.com

2. WHAT IS
RANSOMWARE?
Ransomware is one of the most pressing cyber threats for
businesses and government institutions – it’s an ever-
evolving piece of malicious software (malware) designed to
encrypt files on a device and render them unusable unless
it gets decrypted. That’s how cyber-criminals “kidnap” your
data and threaten to sell or leak it if the ransom is not paid.
Ransomware attacks vary in scale and impact – they can be
targeted at a private business to extract money or utilized
as a digital weapon by nation-states. Whichever the case,
the financial and reputational damages can be severe.

3. 01
02
HOW RANSOMWARE
WORKS?
Phishing: phishing attack is when cybercriminals impersonate trusted contacts or
organizations and send you an email with a seemingly legitimate file attachment
or a link. The files/links are executable, and once you download or click on them,
the ransomware attack is triggered.
Exploit kits: another popular tactic is the development of exploit kits designed to
take advantage of vulnerabilities in applications, networks, or devices. This type
of ransomware can infect any network-connected device running outdated
software.
There are several ways ransomware can access your device and take hold of your
data. Here are some of the most common tactics that malicious actors employ:

4. 03
Malvertising: Ads are different yet common ways for attackers to distribute
malware. The malicious software gets embedded in a fake online ad, and
while a lot of people think that only dodgy websites have these, the
unfortunate reality is that even a trustworthy website can be compromised.
Once the ransomware gains access to your device, the data hostage-taking is triggered,
and your information – personal or business – is compromised. Depending on the strain, a
ransomware attack works by encrypting files or locking up your entire device. The
ransomware then displays a ransom note with demands for a decryption key.
While your device is infected with ransomware, any attempts to open your encrypted files
will most likely be met with an error message informing you that your files are corrupt,
invalid, or cannot be located.

5. HERE ARE A FEW BEST PRACTICES
YOU CAN START TODAY TO PREVENT
A RANSOMWARE ATTACK:
HOW TO PREVENT
RANSOMWARE?
Keep your software updated
Back up your system regularly
Use an adblocker
Healthy skepticism
Use antivirus software

6. WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A
RANSOMWARE ATTACK?
If you end up with a ransomware attack on your hands, do not
pay the ransom. For starters, there is no guarantee that you will
get your data back, and by paying, you will only further
encourage malicious actors in their attacks. Let security
experts handle the situation. If you don’t have a full-time expert
on staff, you can always reach out to external consultants such
as CRI Advantage that will help you prevent such attacks and
help you resolve them if they ever occur.

7. WWW.CRIADVANTAGE.COM
If you want to safeguard your business from
ransomware attacks and other online security
threats, but don’t have the budget for a full-
time expert, reach out to CRI Advantage
Cybersecurity Services.

8. THANK
YOU!
wwwcriadvantage.com
CRI ADVANTAGE