How to Protect Your Business from Mac Ransomware | Free Antivirus Software

The most famous recent ransomware cases include the 2017 WannaCry and Petya outbreaks, which infected hundreds of thousands of Windows PCs around the world. However, ransomware like EvilQuest specifically targets Mac computers. If you have a Mac, please follow these security best practices to avoid infection.

 

 

WHAT IS MAC RANSOMWARE?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that holds computer systems hostage until a ransom is paid in gift cards or cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. It is usually spread via phishing emails, but it can also spread over unsecured networks.

When Macs are infected with ransomware, users cannot access their data because it is encrypted. Ransomware blackmailers can also threaten to leak the information or destroy sensitive data if the victims don't pay within a certain period of time. Health and financial organizations, in particular, are more likely to pay the ransom because these organizations typically have many valuable assets, including money, and cannot afford to lose access to their critical data.

 

 

TYPES OF MAC RANSOMWARE

In 2016, KeRanger ransomware was distributed via the popular BitTorrent app Transmission. KeRanger has been signed with an authorized security certificate that allows it to evade macOS built-in security and infect more than 7,000 Mac computers.

Patcher was another type of Mac ransomware that was discovered in 2017. This type of ransomware has disguised itself as a patched app for programs like Microsoft Office. At startup, Patcher encrypts files in user directories and demands a ransom, which is paid in Bitcoin. However, the ransomware was poorly programmed so that the decryption key could not be retrieved after paying the ransom. We are terrible.

In 2019, the EvilQuest ransomware was encrypting files and trying to trick users into paying a bitcoin ransom. Similar to Patcher, however, there was no function to decrypt files after paying, so even those who paid the ransom had nothing left.

Ransomware attacks like this one can recur at any time. This is why you need to be prepared in the event of an attack.

 

 

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM RANSOMWARE ATTACKS

Preventive measures are the best way to keep your Macs safe from ransomware. To do this, you need to update your software regularly to protect yourself against the latest threats and only install programs from the official app store.

Avoid suspicious links and email attachments as ransomware infects computers with phishing emails first. Always be on the alert, even if the email is from a legitimate company or someone you know.

You also need to maintain offline backups and have a disaster recovery plan in place so that your business does not run the risk of ransomware successfully infiltrating your systems.

 

 

RESPONDING TO RANSOMWARE

If your Mac is infected with ransomware, it would be better not to pay a ransom as there is no guarantee that hackers will provide a decryption key and release your data even if you give in to their requests.

Instead, use an up-to-date anti-malware program to remove ransomware from your computer. Cybersecurity experts may also release free ransomware decryption tools to help remove the infection. So watch out for them on the Internet. If these programs and tools don't work, you can curb the spread of the ransomware by disconnecting from the network and performing data recovery procedures if you have backed up your data on an external hard drive or in the cloud.

Mac ransomware attacks are not common, but they pose a great threat to your business. If you need more information, contact our team of security experts today. We keep up with the latest Mac security threats and how to keep your business safe.

If you are looking for an antivirus to protect your Windows from ransomware, then we recommend you to use Protegent360's free antivirus software as the best trial.