Ransomware is undoubtedly one of the worst security threats we can face. This is a type of malware that aims to encrypt files and systems so that the victim cannot use them normally. In exchange, the attacker will ask for an economic ransom and in this way he profits. Now, one of the most important security barriers to combat this problem is backups . But not just anyone, as we will explain.
Not all backups work against ransomware
The problem with ransomware is that we lose control of the files. Think, for example, of a computer where you store important documents and you are a victim of this type of malware. You won’t be able to open those files and it’s basically like you don’t have them unless you pay the ransom.
If you make a backup, all that will be safe. You can simply restore the copy and regain normal access to those documents that you have previously stored. But not all of them are valid, since creating a backup that may be exposed is going to be a burden on protection.
What does this mean? For example, a backup that is not updated regularly or does not cover all areas of a computer, will cause ransomware to affect not being able to restore all files . As a report from the Enterprise Strategy Group demonstrates, we could simply recover the documents that we have partially included in that copy, which may have changed a lot over time and lose important files.
It is also a mistake to create a backup that is not properly isolated . Think, for example, of a copy that you make at home, on an external hard drive that you in turn connect to the computer that has been affected by ransomware. That can lead to that hard drive where the backup is going to be encrypted as well.
Create safe copies against ransomware
Therefore, what you need to do to be truly protected against ransomware is to create backups that adequately protect you. Ideally, this copy meets a series of requirements to be effective and can come in handy in the hypothetical case that you are a victim of this security threat:
- Be up to date : the first thing is that this backup must be up to date. Therefore, you will have to generate a new copy periodically, either manually or automatically. This will ensure that you always have the most recent files stored.
- Save the backup in isolation – Another key point is to save that backup in isolation. You must prevent it from being accessible through devices that may be vulnerable or the ones that have been infected with ransomware.
- Use safe tools : if you are going to create a backup with a tool, you should always use programs that are safe.
- Keep devices protected : Of course, you should keep the devices where you are going to store that backup properly protected. For example, if you are going to save it on another computer, on an external hard drive, etc.
Therefore, as you have seen, creating backups is an important barrier to avoid problems with ransomware. They will not protect you from malware itself, but from the consequences it will have. You should keep in mind that there are reasons not to pay for ransomware and if you have your files protected, you will have less need to finance cybercriminals.