WAYS ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST RANSOMWARE

Updated on October 21, 2022, by Xcitium

What Are the Best Ways to Protect Yourself Against Ransomware?

The best ways to protect yourself against ransomware include backing up your data, keeping software updated, using strong passwords with multi-factor authentication, avoiding suspicious links or emails, and using advanced security tools. A layered security approach is essential to prevent ransomware attacks effectively.

Ransomware is malicious software that every computer user must avoid. This software is operated by cybercriminals and the objective is to hold your computer and its files for ransom. You need to pay the demanded amount before regaining access to your computer. Everyone must be knowledgeable about how to protect yourself against ransomware to avoid these attacks.

On the other hand, even ransomware is very dangerous to your computer that it could lock and encrypt your files. There are certain ways on how to protect yourself against ransomware attacks. If you are properly prepared, you will never be afraid of any losses and you know what to do.

How To Protect Yourself Against Ransomware: The Right Approach

Here are some helpful tips that would help you on how to protect yourself against ransomware. Make sure to follow these steps to avoid ransomware attacks.

Secure a Clean Backup

The best way to fight ransomware is by having a regular clean copy of the backup. If you are attacked by a ransomware, you may lose your access from your files. But if you have your copy of a good backup, you can easily restore your computer right away. Backing-up of files may in the form of a backup software that have policies on when and what to backup. But for a cheaper cost, you may do a manual backup. You just need an external drive to save your files. In this way, you are sure that you have followed the best practice on how to protect yourself against ransomware.

Look For File Extensions

Cryptolocker ransomware typically changes the extension file into an executable. But the problem is that, typically, Windows operating system hides the known file-extensions. One way to do learn how to protect yourself against ransomware is to look for the file extensions. This way, you could easily see any suspicious files that may indicate a presence of ransomware on your computer.

Avoid Certain Running Files

Another way on how to protect yourself against Ransomware is to disable files running from AppData/LocalAppData folders. You can create a policy on Windows to avoid particular programs from running, especially the suspicious .EXE files. Usually, Cryptolocker ransomware run its executable in AppData or LocalAppData folders. If a legit program needs to run, you just exclude this from the policy.

Turn off RDP

Some strains of ransomware like Filecoder and Cryptolocker usually target computers using the remote desktop protocol of Windows. This is a Windows utility that gives access to a computer via remote . If your work does not require to use the remote access, you can disable the feature to avoid the ransomware attack. This is another way on how to protect yourself against ransomware attacks.

Install Latest Patch Updates

Ransomware and other strains of malware usually look for computers with outdated operating system and software. Cyber-criminals believe that these computers still have the vulnerabilities that they can exploit. Therefore, if you don’t know how to protect yourself against ransomware, these criminals will attack your computer. If you are able to install patches, you have a better chance of protecting yourself against this ransomware. Software vendors usually release patches that contain security enhancements. So it is your obligation to download and install these patches to your computer.

Use Trusted Security Software

By having a good set of security software is one way on how to protect yourself against ransomware. It includes Anti-virus, Anti-malware, and a security firewall. This will help you determine threats or any suspicious behavior coming from the ransomware. The purpose of the security firewall is to block all suspicious events that escaped from your Anti-malware software.

Isolate From the Local Network

If there is a suspected ransomware on your computer and learned that the best alternative on how to protect yourself against ransomware is to disconnect the infected computer from the network. This should be done quickly, in this method, you are trying to move quicker than the ransomware. Encrypting all of your files might need to take some time to finish, so you need to disconnect the computer quickly before it succeeds and garbles all your data.

Use of System Restore

Using System restore is another way on how to protect yourself against ransomware. In order to utilize this feature, you must enable this first. Through this utility, you can restore your computer back to the original clean state. But you have to be quick in doing this to out-smart the ransomware. It is because there is a strain of ransomware like Cryptolocker that can delete the important file that Windows uses to be able to do a System Restore.

Xcitium Ransomware is very tricky, so it is best to have a copy of your clean backup. This is your best option on how to protect yourself against ransomware. Never ever pay the ransom because you don’t have any guarantee that the criminals will give your data back, knowing that they have plenty of victims that need their data too. You are not assured that you will also be accommodated. It is better not to pay and rely on your backup to restore everything in place.

Top 10 Ways to Protect Yourself Against Ransomware

1. Back Up Your Data Regularly

• Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule
• Store backups offline or in secure cloud storage
  👉 Backups are the most effective recovery method after an attack

2. Keep Software and Systems Updated

• Install updates for OS, apps, and firmware
• Patch vulnerabilities quickly

👉 Outdated software is a major entry point for ransomware

3. Avoid Phishing Emails and Suspicious Links

• Do not open unknown attachments
• Verify email sources before clicking

👉 Phishing is one of the most common ransomware delivery methods

4. Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• Create complex, unique passwords
• Enable MFA for all critical accounts

👉 MFA significantly reduces unauthorized access risks

5. Install Advanced Security Software

• Use antivirus and endpoint protection tools
• Enable real-time threat detection

6. Restrict User Access and Permissions

• Apply the least privilege principle
• Limit access to critical data

7. Secure Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

• Disable RDP if not needed
• Use VPN + strong authentication

8. Use a Firewall and Network Security Controls

• Monitor incoming and outgoing traffic
• Block malicious connections

9. Train Employees on Cybersecurity Awareness

• Educate users about phishing and scams
• Conduct regular security training

10. Implement a Layered Security Strategy

• Combine multiple defenses:
  • Endpoint security
  • Email filtering
  • Network monitoring

👉 No single tool can stop ransomware alone

Ransomware Protection Methods at a Glance

How Ransomware Protection Works (Defense Layers)

1. Prevention – block malware entry (email filtering, updates)
2. Detection – identify suspicious activity early
3. Containment – isolate infected systems
4. Recovery – restore from backups

👉 Multi-layered defense significantly improves protection success rates

FAQ

What is the most effective way to prevent ransomware?

The most effective method is maintaining secure offline backups combined with updated software and strong security controls.

Can antivirus stop ransomware?

Yes, antivirus tools can detect many ransomware threats, but advanced attacks require layered protection like EDR and network security.

How do ransomware attacks usually start?

Most ransomware attacks start through phishing emails, malicious links, or unpatched software vulnerabilities.

Is it possible to fully prevent ransomware?

No system is 100% secure, but using multiple security layers significantly reduces the risk.

Related Sources:

Ransomware Software

PROTECT YOUR ENDPOINTS FOR FREE

How To Protect Computer From Ransomware