---
title: "Keep Yourself Safe From Ransomware: Learn How Do You Get Ransomware | Phish Protection"
description: "Ransomware is a form of malware that takes control of the victim"
image: "https://phishprotection.com/og/blog/keep-yourself-safe-from-ransomware-learn-how-do-you-get-ransomware.png"
canonical: "https://phishprotection.com/blog/keep-yourself-safe-from-ransomware-learn-how-do-you-get-ransomware/"
---

Quick Answer

Hence, every individual needs to learn the basics behind \*\*ransomware attacks\*\*. Be knowledgeable enough so that you will no longer be of those who keep asking ‘How do I get ransomware on my computer,’ ‘How does ransomware get installed in a system,’ etc.

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![Phish Protection blog post image](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2021/02/phishing-definition-8452.jpg) 

_Ransomware is a form of malware that takes control of the victim’s system and threatens to block access or delete files if the victim ignores it_. Hackers and adversaries are continually upgrading ransomware to elude even the sophisticated **anti-malware software**.

Hence, every individual needs to learn the basics behind **ransomware attacks**. Be knowledgeable enough so that you will no longer be of those who keep asking ‘How do I get ransomware on my computer,’ ‘How does ransomware get installed in a system,’ etc.

![Phishing definition](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2021/02/phishing-definition-8452.jpg) 

### How To Identify Ransomware?

There are various indications that can show that your system is infected. Let’s look at [ways to identify ransomware](https://www.csoonline.com/article/2615925/security-your-quick-guide-to-malware-types.html).

#### Ransom Note

Ransomware can get into your systems through **phishing emails** and email attachments without your knowledge. Once ransomware is installed, _it starts doing its malicious job in the background by encrypting and renaming your files_. Most of the time, people come to know about a **ransomware attack** only when a ransom note appears on their screen. In these ransom notes, the ransomware hackers post their demands and how they want you to pay the ransom, or face deletion of files. Recently, the Jigsaw ransomware resurfaced demanding victims to pay the [ransom in the form of bitcoins](https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/security/news/cybercrime-and-digital-threats/new-jigsaw-ransomware-variant-demands-5000-in-bitcoins). Victims either make the payment or face the risk of deletion of their valuable data in one-hour intervals unless ransom gets paid.

#### File Encryption

Another simple way to know if your system is infected with ransomware is to _check your files for any encryption_. If you find that they are encrypted, it is mostly because of a **ransomware attack**. _Ransomware can encrypt all kinds of data, including videos, audios, documents, and images_.

#### File Renaming

Another method to identify a ransomware attack is to check your file folders. _If you find that the files have been renamed, then it is usually associated with a ransomware attack_.

#### Changing File Extensions

One of the most common ways of a **ransomware infection** is altering the file extensions. If you notice that your files are getting renamed with unknown extensions, then it is evidence that your system is affected with ransomware.

### So How Does Ransomware Get Into your Computer?

> “over 90% of ransomware attacks begin with a phishing email ([Verizon 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report](https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/reports/dbir/)) email. Blocking the phishing email is the most effective ransomware prevention strategy available - it stops the attack at the earliest possible stage, before any malware reaches your network. Every ransomware incident we’ve investigated started with an email that should have been caught.” - **Vasile Diaconu**, Operations Lead, DuoCircle

_Ransomware creators use innovative ways to get their ransomware into your system_. Mainly, people having systems with less cybersecurity protection and are [unaware of ransomware](https://www.techrepublic.com/article/survey-37-of-workers-unaware-of-ransomware-putting-businesses-at-risk) are affected. Let’s look at how it happens.

#### Through Phishing Emails

Ransomware creators made use of game and software downloads earlier. However, _spam emails are the latest tools used by cybercriminals to install ransomware on your system_. Cybercriminals create sophisticated emails that look like legitimate ones with all the text, colors, and font [resembling the original emails](https://success.trendmicro.com/solution/1118382-threat-actors-send-massive-spam-emails-distributing-locky-ransomware). It ensures that it doesn’t evoke any doubt on the minds of users and help them to achieve their goal quickly.

Take a look at how a **phishing email** installs ransomware on your system:

- The victim receives a phishing email that resembles an email from a trusted source.
- The email mostly contains _malicious URLs and file attachments_.
- The email demands the victim to click the URL or download the attachment.
- Unsuspecting users not aware of the potential problem click the URL and download the attachment.
- The ransomware gets installed on to the system and starts encrypting the files.
- Once it completes encrypting, renaming and taking complete control of the files, _a ransom note appears on the screen demanding the ransom amount_.
- Victims who don’t comply face the risk of losing their valuable data.

#### Through Exploit Kits

Another way of inflicting ransomware attacks on victims is through [exploit kits](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/intelligence/exploits-malware). Unlike spam emails, a victim does not need to click a malicious URL or download an email attachment to install ransomware. Instead, hackers take control of a website and upload malicious code on to its pages. _People visiting the website get affected by ransomware through browser vulnerabilities exploits_.

Know how exploit kits are used to **install ransomware** on your system:

- Through [malvertising](https://www.cisecurity.org/blog/malvertising/), victims are taken to a malicious website under the control of ransomware creators.
- Once the victim enters these websites, _the malicious code that already exists on these pages starts scanning the victim’s system for vulnerabilities and ways to install the ransomware in the system_.
- If they find easy vulnerabilities, it automatically installs the ransomware in the system.
- Now, it is the usual job, including encrypting, renaming, and ransom notes.

### What To Do If You Get Ransomware?

Unfortunately, you’ve become a victim to a ransomware attack. So, _what to do when you get ransomware?_

#### Isolate The Affected System

[The first thing](https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/featured/what-first-when-your-company-suffers-ransomware-attack/) we would do when we notice a ransomware attack is to isolate the affected system. Disconnecting our system from the network and other shared computers will [stop the ransomware](/content/protection-against-ransomware/) from infecting other systems.

![What is phishing](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2021/02/what-is-phishing-8464.jpg) 

#### Identify The Infection

Isolation done. ‘What ransomware do I have?’ is the next question on our mind. It is easy to _determine the kind of ransomware from the ransom note_ or using [anti-malware tools](/products/malware-and-ransomware-protection/).

#### Reporting Ransomware

Once you identify a **ransomware attack**, _you must report it to the authorities concerned immediately._

#### Determine Options At Hand

The next step is to determine the options you have. Search on the internet about _how to counter the ransomware_.

#### Restore Backup Data

The best and immediate option to counter a ransomware attack is to _restore your system using the latest backup_ options and use anti-malware tools to eliminate the ransomware from your system.

### Conclusion

_Ransomware attacks are a major concern among businesses across the globe_. As a recent study revealed in [CyberCrime Magazine](https://cybersecurityventures.com/global-ransomware-damage-costs-predicted-to-reach-20-billion-usd-by-2021/), global damages from ransomware could go **up to $20 billion in 2021**. Hence, everyone must at least learn about the basics of ransomware, such as _how to identify ransomware and what to do if you get ransomware installed on your system_.

## Topics

[ Phishing ](/tags/phishing/) 

![Brad Slavin](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/authors/brad-slavin.jpg) 

[ Brad Slavin ](/authors/brad-slavin/) 

General Manager

Founder and General Manager of DuoCircle. Product strategy and commercial lead across DuoCircle's 2,000+ customer base.

[LinkedIn Profile →](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradslavin) 

## Protect your inbox from phishing attacks

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