Ransomware: What you need to know
Published: July 25, 2024
Ransomware can have a significant impact on an organization – from shutting down operations to the loss of years of research data. That’s why it’s critical for the U of T community to understand the risks and know how to prevent ransomware attacks.
What is ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malware. Malicious actors use ransomware attacks to lock users and organizations out of accessing their data and infrastructure. They demand payment in exchange for returning access to this data and threaten to expose the affected data if the ransom is not paid.
How can I reduce the risk of ransomware?
To protect yourself from ransomware, it’s important to treat your personal and professional use of technology in comparable ways. Apply the following tips:
Protect your data
- Always be sure to back up your data and keep it up to date.
- Use managed storage services to store your important documents and loved items like photographs.
- If possible, keep an offline copy of files.
Protect your devices
- Use anti-virus software.
- Ensure all devices are updated regularly for security vulnerabilities.
Protect your accounts
- Use multi-factor authentication for all your personal accounts.
- Create strong passwords and consider using a password manager.
- Know how to identify and report phishing attempts.
