Ransomware Resilience: How VPNs Can Mitigate Attacks

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Did you know that, to say it better, in the first half of 2021 ransomware has increased by 151% relative to the previous year? With such growing numbers, it’s essential that we learn how to protect ourselves. Such attacks can be best mitigated with the use of Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs.

Ransomware Attacks Explained

Ransomware is a type of malware that locks or damages victims’ systems or data, then demands ransom payments in exchange for restoring access or functionality. Such attacks can prove devastating for just about anyone, whether a person, a business, or even governments. As per the report by Cybersecurity Ventures, by 2021, it is estimated that every 11 seconds businesses will fall victim to a ransomware attack, with damages from such attacks being estimated at billions of dollars each year.

Most of the time, ransomware attacks start with a phishing email, malicious website, or through software vulnerabilities. When it finds its way into a system, ransomware encrypts data to make it inaccessible by the user. In turn, the attacker demands payment of a ransom in return for decrypting the data. This often results in serious consequences, including financial loss, damage to reputation, and operational disruption.

How VPNs Work?

A VPN basically allows for an encrypted connection between the device and the internet. It hides your IP address; as such, your actions online are nearly untraceable. It is used for protecting sensitive data and ensuring privacy when working through Wi-Fi hotspots at hotels and other public spots, but the benefits of it go much further.

VPNs and Ransomware: A Defensive Shield

1. Good Data Encryption: This will protect your data from any possible hack and become unreadable for the person trying to intercept it. Especially this kind of encryption is highly important when you are sending sensitive data across the internet. If a hacker cannot read your data, they cannot use it for an attack either.
2. A Secure Internet Connection: Public Wi-Fi networks are quite insecure in their own respect, so they are a prime target for cybercriminals. In securing the internet connection, a VPN ensures that all the data runs through a tunnel to keep it private, even on unsecure networks. The most common cyberattack used in most ransomware attacks these days is an entry provided by unsecure connections.
3. Hiding IP Addresses: By hiding your IP address, a VPN complicates things for hackers looking to track you down over the Internet and focus on you with ransomware. It takes that extra step further in identity privacy to mean that you are not a target for a focused attack.
4. Secure Connection to Remote Networks: With the increase in working from remote places, connecting to company networks from another place, for example one’s home, is very common. However, remote access can lead to ransomware exposure if networks are not properly secured. A VPN ensures that the data transiting between your device and the corporate network is protected.

Real-World Impacts of Using a VPN

Several studies and reports highlight the effectiveness of VPNs in preventing ransomware attacks. For instance, according to a Global Market Insights report, the VPN market size crossed $30 billion in 2020 and likely is to expand at over a 12% CAGR between 2021 and 2027 on the back of ever-increasing cybersecurity threats, including ransomware. In fact, businesses that have implemented the use of VPNs in their operations have reported lesser cases of ransomware attacks. An IBM study found that those organizations extensively using encryption—including VPNs—had average data breach costs of $3.58 million compared to $4.43 million for those not using encryption extensively. This shows just how important encryption is in the cyber defense against attacks like ransomware.

Picking the Right VPN

All are not equal, so it’s important to get a good and reliable service. Consider these factors:

1. Security Features: Ensure that the VPN has strong encryption protocols, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
2. No-Log Policies: This means there is no storage of anything with regard to your online activities. It is a feature that is very important in maintaining security and privacy.
3. Speed and Performance: But security considerations aside, you also want a VPN that will perform well for you. Connections should run at top speeds to enjoy trouble-free online surfing, especially if your internet use involves streaming or video conferencing.
4. Multi-Device Support: Look for a VPN that can be connected across multiple devices simultaneously. It’s such a helpful feature for securing all your gadgets, be it a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
5. Customer Support: Proper customer support can enable you to resolve any issues that arise with your VPN in time. Additionally, look for a VPN provider that will provide you with 24/7 support through different channels, including live chat, email, or phone.

Best Practices of VPN Usage

While VPNs offer robust protection against ransomware, it is best to adhere to the following best practices for maximum protection:

1. Keep Your VPN Updated: Make sure that you keep your VPN software up to date. Updates are often packed with the latest security patches, designed to protect devices from emerging threats.
2. Use Strong Passwords: Use unique strong passwords on all your accounts with strong passwords, which are harder to guess for unauthorized access. Avoid easily guessable passwords and, if convenient, use password manager utilities to maintain them in order.
3. Be Cautious with Phishing Emails: You should always be cautious with phishing emails, even when using a VPN. Do not click on dubious links or open dubious attachments coming from unknown senders. Phishing is one of the most common ways by which ransomware spreads.
4. Regular backup of data: It helps you steer away from massive losses in your data in case of an attack by any ransomware malware. Be sure to store your backups in a secure location; it would be better to do this offline or on a different, protected network.
5. Educate Yourself and Your Team: Remember, in cyber security, it is an effort between all stakeholders. Train your employees and you on the need to adopt the use of VPN and best cybersecurity practices as part and parcel of the cybersecurity preparedness program. Training on a regular basis will significantly help in ensuring that there are no human mistakes leading to ransomware infections

The Future of Ransomware and VPNs

The advancement in ransomware attacks is requiring advanced defense mechanisms. VPN technology keeps on updating with additional sophisticated features to counter attack cyber threats. Future VPNs could also employ Artificial Intelligence to detect and block threats in real-time, thus providing us with more resolute protection from ransomware.

Conclusion

Ransomware is a real menace that has the potential to wreak havoc. Still, you can reduce this possibility significantly by employing a VPN. A VPN uses robust encryption, secures connections, and also provides anonymity so that a hacker finds it very hard to break into information and subsequently use it for launching a ransomware attack. Choose a reputable VPN service and follow its best practices to defend yourself and your organization from the dire consequences of ransomware. Be safe online, and make sure VPNs are a core part of your cybersecurity strategy.