Ransomware is not a new web threat; after all, these types of attacks have been around for many years. However, a relatively new ransomware attack known as Chaos has been wreaking serious havoc across the internet. By having a better understanding of what this threat is, what makes it unique, and how to protect yourself, you can keep your information safe and your site secure. Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Chaos Ransomware?
A traditional ransomware attack typically works by holding a victim’s files and data “hostage” until a ransom is paid to the hackers. However, the new Chaos ransomware blends this traditional method with a wiper attack, which can have devastating consequences for victims.
While Chaos still seems to be under some form of development by its creators, this attack is advertised as advanced ransomware that deletes or replaces the victim’s files with random bytes. It is also believed that Chaos malware will have the ability to spread to all drives (including removable drives) on an infected system.
As a result, victims of this type of attack could end up shelling out thousands of dollars to pay the “ransom” and have their files decrypted, only to find that the data was completely destroyed. This could be devastating to individuals and businesses across the globe, which is why web security specialists are keeping a close eye on the development of this malware.
How to Protect Yourself
New cybersecurity threats are being developed constantly, and there is no way to safeguard your information completely. However, you can follow security best practices to give yourself the best fighting chance against Chaos ransomware and other attacks.
For starters, always use a secure connection when browsing the web. Do not connect to public Wi-Fi networks, as these are not secure (nor is any of the information you send across them).
Meanwhile, take time to back up your files regularly. Ideally, you should have copies of your most important files stored in at least two different locations (with one being a remote data backup). That way, even if you fall victim to a ransomware attack and your files are compromised on one device, you will always have copies saved.
Last but not least, consider upgrading to a dedicated hosting plan (if you haven’t done so already). This kind of hosting will provide you with the greatest level of security and protection against hackers. Additionally, if you’re looking for a host for your remote backup, a dedicated server is about as secure an option as they come.
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Looking for a dedicated server you can count on to beef up security? ReliableSite has a wide range of dedicated servers and hosting plans available to suit your needs and budget. Meanwhile, we take pride in the high level of dedicated server security that each of our plans offers, including free standard DDoS protection and more. Reach out today to learn more about our hosting plans and find the right one for you!