If there is one thing we cannot deny about malware, it is its evolutionary capacity. The intelligence and creativity of its creators have allowed it to adopt different forms, and one that has been hitting with a lot of force in recent months is ransomware. “Your files in exchange for money” is the purest essence of ransomware, and it carries such high effectiveness that it forces us to reconsider our security parameters. The available anti-ransomware solutions are not many for now, but today we will mention the most important ones.
Imagine that dreadful moment when you turn on your computer, click on a couple of files to access them, and you receive the warning that you must pay for their rescue, or lose them forever. Now, transfer this same situation to a hospital or a school, on computers with information about patients, doctors, students, and teachers. Ransomware doesn't care much about the kind of system it infects, but its developers are increasingly precise in seeking delicate and easy-to-manipulate targets. The advance of ransomware has not gone unnoticed among the main security software developers, triggering the creation of a new series of tools. Today we will recommend three of them:
WinPatrol WinAntiRansom
WinAntiRansom has been fighting ransomware a bit longer than the rest, which translates into a certain advantage, and why not, a better understanding of its opponent. The program applies a defense divided into layers, with preventive blocks, secure regions, and access restrictions to both the Web and the Windows Registry. WinAntiRansom is not freeware, but its unlimited license of 30 dollars authorizes the protection of five terminals at a time.
Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware
We first mentioned it last Tuesday, and although the company already confirmed that it will turn it into an additional module for its products, today we believe it's worth taking a look at Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware. Its “zero configuration” interface and its complementary profile to traditional antiviruses make it a very interesting option for a large number of users who want quick and easy protection.
Bitdefender Anti-Ransomware
Logically, the launch of a new security tool causes a “domino effect” among its direct competitors, and that's how we discovered the brand new Bitdefender Anti-Ransomware. This resource presents a very particular defense against variants like CTB-Locker, Locky, and TeslaCrypt, as it simulates an existing infection. In other words, Bitdefender Anti-Ransomware behaves like a vaccine.
Now, none of these three alternatives should be considered as a replacement for a traditional antivirus. It may be that the idea of having another resident process doesn't appeal to many users, but for now, all anti-ransomware are complements, not standalone solutions. Remember: The best strategy is to avoid encryption in the first place, but if it's already too late, perhaps there is software like the one Kaspersky made to break CoinVault's encryption. Be careful, and good luck!.
