Ransomware Attacks Up 50% in 2023, 3 Trends to Watch in 2024

Jakarta, INTI - Ransomware attacks surged by 50% in 2023, according to a report by the World Economic Forum (WEF). The report also identifies three key trends that businesses and organizations should be aware of in 2024:

• The rise of AI-powered ransomware: Cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to automate and personalize ransomware attacks. This makes it more difficult for businesses to detect and prevent these attacks.
• The explosion of mobile connected devices: The growing number of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, is creating new vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. Ransomware attacks on mobile devices are becoming more common, and businesses need to take steps to protect their employees' devices.
• The targeting of critical infrastructure: Ransomware attacks are increasingly targeting critical infrastructure, such as power grids and hospitals. These attacks can have a devastating impact on society, and businesses that operate critical infrastructure need to take steps to improve their cybersecurity defenses.

The WEF report recommends that businesses and organizations take the following steps to protect themselves from ransomware attacks:

• Implement a comprehensive cybersecurity program: This program should include measures to prevent, detect, and respond to ransomware attacks.
• Educate employees about cybersecurity: Employees are often the first line of defense against ransomware attacks. It is important to educate employees about how to identify and avoid phishing emails, malicious websites, and other threats.
• Backup your data regularly: If you are attacked by ransomware, you will be able to recover your data more quickly if you have a recent backup.
• Keep your software up to date: Outdated software is often more vulnerable to ransomware attacks. It is important to keep your software up to date to patch security vulnerabilities.
• Have a ransomware response plan: If you are attacked by ransomware, you need to have a plan in place for how to respond. This plan should include steps to contain the attack, recover your data, and negotiate with the attackers.

By following these steps, businesses and organizations can help to protect themselves from the growing threat of ransomware attacks.

Additional tips for protecting yourself from ransomware:

• Be suspicious of unsolicited emails and attachments: Do not open emails or attachments from unknown senders.
• Do not click on links in emails or text messages: These links could lead to malicious websites that could infect your device with ransomware.
• Be careful what websites you visit: Only visit websites from trusted sources.
• Use strong passwords and change them regularly: Use a strong password for all of your online accounts and change them regularly.
• Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts.
• Keep your software up to date: Outdated software is often more vulnerable to ransomware attacks. It is important to keep your software up to date to patch security vulnerabilities.
• Have a backup of your data: If you are attacked by ransomware, you will be able to recover your data more quickly if you have a recent backup.

By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from ransomware attacks. *Hans