No More Ransom coordinating defense against cyber crooks
New ransomware and cyberattacks are among top worries for executives globally, according to research firm Gartner. Coordinating tools to unlock hostage computer files is organization the No More Ransom initiative that this summer celebrates six years.
“Ransomware attacks have been growing in number and severity for years, with headlines focused on ransom demands that have climbed to amounts once unthinkable”, Europol says.
The No More Ransom provides keys to unlocking encrypted files as well as information on how to avoid getting infected by cyber crooks.
Launched by IT security companies, Europol and the Dutch National Police, the portal initially offered four tools for unlocking different types of ransomware in English. This has now grown to136 free tools for 165 ransomware variants, including often mentioned Gandcrab, REvil/Sodinokibi, Maze/Egregor/Sekhmet.
Over 188 partners from the public and private sector have joined the scheme, regularly providing new decryption tools for the latest strains of malicious software, Europol says.
”To date, the scheme has so far helped over 1.5 million people successfully decrypt their devices without needing to pay the criminals. The portal is available in 37 languages.”
However, the best cure against ransomware remains diligent prevention, Europol says recommending:
- Regularly back up data stored on your electronic devices.
- Watch your clicks – do you know where a link will take you?
- Do not open attachments in e-mails from unknown senders, even if they look important and credible.
- Ensure that your security software and operating system are up to date.
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect your user accounts.
- Limit the possibility to export large amounts of corporate data to external file exchange portals.
If you despite this are victim of an attack, do not pay! Report the crime and check No More Ransom for decryption tools! Europol said in a statement in connection with the six year anniversary.
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