Hackers consider data as the most precious thing ever, you cannot possibly blame them as it is the prime means that seems to be earning them a living these days. Ransomware is a strategy that has been used by the present day hackers across the globe to earn money by hijacking user data.

Last week, several reputed online spaces, including the news giants Nytimes and BBC were attacked via a strategy crafted on the grounds of ransomware. Known as malvertising, this strategy scans the user system for any vulnerability and once a security hole is sorted out, it proceeds to lockout the user data and demands ransom usually in Bitcoin, to release the data. This time around, the malicious attack was carried out via of ad networks and hence the name malvertising.

What made this hack deadly?

Most of the ransomware attacks in the past required the users to take an action like downloading a file, clicking on a link or advertisement. However, the latest malvertising which was delivered via multiple ad networks did not require any type of user interaction. These ads perform a spontaneous search for outdated programs in user’s computer mainly in the form of Silvelight, Flash etc. The angler exploit kit (commonly used by hackers) bundled with this ransomware was used for finding any security hole on the user’s computer. Once the security hole is identified, it installs encryption software, which locks down the user’s private data. “Once you are hit by such ransomware and your data is locked up, there is nothing much you can do rather than to pay up” says FBI. How to stay away from these hack types?

You can always resort to certain security actions to be on the safer side against these hacking strategies. If you wish to stay anonymous on the web and don’t give away your personal information like location, address etc, it is always advised to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Using the Brave Browser is an ideal means to prevent malicious ads from running on any website you visit. The Brave Browser is to block ads and scripts that track user behaviour. With this browser, the ads are inspected thoroughly for any malicious activities.

Ad Blocks are another means to prevent malvertising. Today, you have several Ad blocking software like Ad Block Plus, Ad Block etc that can block almost all the ads.

One of the other means to prevent these attacks is to stay updated, ensure that all the system software is up-to-date. Use a powerful anti virus system and keep it updated too. On top of all, it is always advised to keep yourself updated with what’s happening across the cyber world, the sooner you are informed, sooner you can take precautionary actions.