Linux Ransomware: What you need to know to stay safe?

It started back in 2013 when the first plague of ransomware was detected. The CryptoLocker ransomware combined encryption and extortion to disastrously attack victims, with a high risk of losing valuable data.

Now, ransomware attacks have emerged; they’re not only targeting Windows but have shifted focus to other operating systems. Linux operating system is one of their main targets.

As Linux is widely used by enterprises with a vast database and web services, it makes the OS a beneficial target. Businesses or government institutions either own enterprise networks; this means attacking them grants vast profits.

Ransomware attacks are something that every operating system should be worried about, including Linux. Read to know how you can protect your Linux operating system from ransomware.

Is your Linux Operating system safe from ransomware attacks?

Before you come to know whether Linux is safe or not safe from ransomware attacks, let’s learn a little more about ransomware.

Ransomware includes complicated file-encrypting malware. When it attacks a victim’s device, the first it does is locks access to essential files. The attacker then demands the victim to pay a ransom in exchange for the decrypting key.

Initially, it was average users who were attacked. Now, ransomware attackers target businesses, hospitals, government institutions, etc. So, that’s it about ransomware; let’s now know whether Linux operating systems are safe or not from ransomware attacks.

Linux’s usage standards can protect the users from ransomware attacks. And in the past few years, there have been very few reports of Linux ransomware attacks. Ransomware usually targets Windows because of the unpatched security loopholes.

However, in Linux, there are no loopholes, which makes it a difficult target. But for the past couple of years, Linux users have been increasing. It attracted ransomware attackers, and not so long ago, Lilocked ransomware infected thousands of Linux servers.

Though, there are different policies in Linux that grant good protection. But those policies don’t guarantee 100% protection against Linux ransomware. Therefore, you have to be careful.

Below are some of the Linux Ransomware attacks that you should be careful about.

The different types of Linux Ransomware attacks

Reconnaissance

These types of Linux ransomware attacks target as many systems as possible. It helps the attack to get maximum profit from the paid ransoms.

Weaponization

Weaponized Linux ransomware attacks include social engineering loopholes. The loopholes are used to exploit all the possible vulnerable systems.

Delivery

These Linux ransomware attacks are executed through email phishing attempts. The attackers target server vulnerabilities because Linux has a robust system.

Exploitation

In these Linux ransomware attacks, the attacker takes advantage of social engineering. Using human elements, the ransomware attacks are initiated.

Actions on Objectives

When this Linux ransomware attack is initiated, the user will be blocked from getting authorized access to the data. It is executed to extort ransom from the victims.

How to protect your Linux OS from ransomware attacks

Initially, Windows OS was the primary target for ransomware attacks. But those days are gone; now, attackers are also focusing on Mac and Linux. The reason for targeting Linux is the increasing number of users.

Though Linux is also vulnerable to ransomware attacks, it can be protected. The first thing to do is make a good backup strategy. Through a backup account, you can access your stored data and even prevent unauthorized write-ups.

The ultimate defense against Linux ransomware attacks is to have a smart backup and restore the system. But the downside of having a backup is the downtime to restore the affected files.

No worries, as there are other ways you can follow to protect your Linux OS from ransomware attacks.

• You need to always keep your Linux OS updated and patched to remove vulnerabilities. An updated system with no vulnerabilities is difficult to attack. Installing updates keeps your Linux secured.

• Install comprehensive anti-malware or antivirus software. Also, don’t forget to keep it up-to-date.

• Ensure you store your critical files on an external hard drive and back them up on cloud storage.

• Frequently sync your data on Dropbox and Google Drive.

• To improve security on the web, configure your browser’s privacy and security.

• If there are any outdated plugins or add-ons on your browser, update them or remove them immediately.

• Never, I repeat, never open email attachments from unknown senders.

• To prevent ads containing malware, install an ad-blocker.

Also Read: Data Security Threats During COVID-19: The Importance & Need!

Conclusion

Linux system is concentrated with a vast amount of data because of the increasing number of users. This has attracted ransomware attacks widely. Once a Linux ransomware is successfully executed, it will exploit the vulnerabilities which give access to other threats.

But that kind of scenario can be prevented with the help of the above preventive measures. Make sure that you’re up-to-date with your Linux defense system.

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