1. Do not open attachments in emails from unknown senders
In most cases, ransomware that encrypts your files is distributed via email attachments. Cybercriminals aim to persuade you to open the attachment, which is why they title the emails as though they contained important information such as a court order, notice of intended prosecution, late fee notice or something similar.
Not only .exe files can be harmful. Kaspersky Lab experts have confirmed cases of malicious .doc and .pdf files.
2. Keep your operating system, anti-virus software and other applications up-to-date
Update your anti-virus software on a regular basis. When you update the anti-virus databases, product components are also updated, while existing features are improved and new ones added. Also, install updates for your operating system, as well as for any other applications you use.
3. Regularly back up your files to the cloud or an external drive
Store your backup files somewhere other than your computer, such as on an external drive or in a cloud repository. You should also encrypt them. This way, your files will not only be safe in the case of a ransomware infection, but also if your PC itself breaks down.
4. Configure access to shared network folders
If you use shared network folders, we recommend that you create a separate network folder for each user. Only the owner of the folder should have writing permissions. This will prevent all the network folders from being encrypted if one PC gets infected.