Cybersecurity · Recovery
Prepare for ransomware
Reduce damage with updates, limited access and tested backups.
8 min read · General educational guidance
- Patch internet-facing software and avoid using an administrator account for everyday work.
- Keep at least one important backup that is not continuously writable from the main computer.
- Test restoration and write down who should be contacted during an incident.
Practical example
Keep current work in normal storage, a scheduled backup on a separate service or drive, and one protected copy that the everyday computer cannot continuously rewrite. Test restoring a folder each quarter.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Keeping the only backup drive permanently connected and writable.
- Backing up encrypted or corrupted files over the last clean copy.
- Discovering during an incident that nobody knows the recovery account or key.
Trusted sources and next reading
If money, identity documents or a work system may be affected, preserve evidence and contact the relevant bank, employer or authority quickly.