Increasingly advanced technological developments bring convenience in not only all fields, including banking but also opportunities that are exploited by parties responsible for committing digital crimes, one of which is by spreading ransomware viruses.
A ransomware virus is malware that threatens victims with destroying or blocking access to important data or systems until a ransom is paid. Initially, most ransomware targeted individuals, but now ransomware also targets organizations or companies, including banks, resulting in financial losses.
To avoid the dangers of the ransomware virus, you can read some tips for avoiding the ransomware virus below.
How to Deal with Ransomware Viruses
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Update operating systems and software
If you often use online banking services via mobile banking or Internet banking, you also need to update the operating system on your cellphone, computer, or laptop. These updates often not only update bugs in the operating system or applications but also include important security fixes to protect your device from ransomware threats.
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Back up data regularly
Data is essential in today's digital era, so you are advised to back up your data regularly to help reduce losses in the event of a ransomware virus attack. You can back up your data online via cloud services or external devices such as flash disks and hard disks.
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Use an Antivirus or anti-malware program
To overcome ransomware virus attacks, you can also install antivirus on your cellphone, laptop, or computer. Choose an antivirus with anti-ransomware to detect, ward off, and clean the virus when scanning.
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Be careful when opening or downloading files
Ransomware is often attached as files sent via email messages or social media applications. So, if you open a message in the form of an email or file in an application, be careful before clicking on the file sent, especially from an unknown email address or telephone number, it could be that the file is a type of ransomware file.
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Avoid visiting suspicious websites
For those of you who frequently search on the internet, be careful when visiting a website. Make sure the website you visit is trusted and safe by looking at the locked padlock sign to the left of the website address.
Ensure you remain careful when using the internet, especially for daily transactions. You can also read other safe transaction tips on the Bank MAS website to avoid various crimes and other modes of online fraud.
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