While ransomware attacks often make headlines for targeting hospitals, corporations, and government entities, individuals are far from immune to them. In fact, in 2023, the personal data of nearly 18 million individuals was compromised when the cybercriminal group Clop exploited a vulnerability in the MOVEit Transfer secure file transfer software^[1].

This large-scale breach shows how your personal information can be exploited in an attack, even if you're not the direct target.

To help you avoid falling victim, this article explains how ransomware works, how to spot infection signs early, and how to prevent ransomware attacks effectively. You’ll also explore how virtual cards serve as a secure payment option to keep your financial data hidden.

What Is Ransomware, and How Does It Affect You?

Ransomware is malicious software that blocks access to your files or device—either by encrypting your data or restricting access to your system—until you pay a ransom (usually in untraceable cryptocurrency like Bitcoin). 

Attackers often set strict deadlines, threaten to increase the ransom, or even leak your data if you don’t comply with their demands. If you choose to pay, you could lose hundreds or thousands of dollars, and there’s no guarantee your files will be restored. The FBI warns that paying the ransom only encourages more attacks and doesn’t ensure recovery^[2].

Some ransomware strains go further by stealing your files, including sensitive data like banking details, ID scans, and passwords. These files can be sold on the dark web or used for identity theft, card-not-present fraud, and other types of scams.

Signs of a Ransomware Attack

The clearest signs of a successful ransomware attack are the sudden inability to access your files and the appearance of a ransom note, which is often a pop-up or full-screen message demanding payment. 

Before that happens, however, you might notice these early indicators that you’re under a cyberattack:

• Increased phishing attempts—An influx of unexpected emails with attachments or links, especially if they urge immediate action
• System performance issues—An unusually slow or unresponsive system as ransomware encrypts files in the background
• Unauthorized access attempts—Receiving alerts about login attempts from unfamiliar locations or devices
• Unusual network activity—A sudden spike in network traffic or data usage that indicates the ransomware is communicating with external servers or exfiltrating data

What To Do in Case of a Ransomware Attack?

Taking calm, deliberate steps toward ransomware removal and prevention can help you regain control and limit the damage. Here’s what to do:

1. Disconnect your device and local networks from the internet to stop the ransomware from spreading or contacting its servers.
2. Unplug external storage devices (USBs, hard drives) to prevent further data encryption.
3. Avoid rebooting your computer, as some ransomware can worsen after the restart. Use hibernation mode instead to preserve the system state.
4. Take a clear photo of the ransom message and send it to law enforcement and cybersecurity professionals.
5. Upload an encrypted file or ransom note to a tool, such as No More Ransom^[3], to identify the ransomware strain.
6. Once the ransomware strain has been identified, search for a decryption tool. Some cybersecurity firms and organizations offer free decryption tools for certain ransomware variants.
7. Use a secure device to change your passwords, starting with email, banking, and other sensitive accounts.

The Best Ways To Prevent Ransomware Attacks

Preventing a ransomware attack doesn’t require special tech skills—many ransomware prevention best practices are simple habits anyone can adopt. Here’s what you can do:

1. Keep your system updated across all devices
2. Use strong security software
3. Regularly back up your data
4. Be cautious with emails, links, and attachments
5. Use strong authentication methods
6. Limit user privileges and access
7. Secure your network and WiFi

Keep Your System Updated Across All Devices

Regardless of the device you use (laptop, desktop, or smartphone), it's essential to update software regularly to prevent ransomware from attacking it. These updates often include critical security fixes that block ransomware from exploiting outdated code. 

To protect your PC from ransomware, enable automatic updates for:

• Your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux)
• Web browsers (like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari)
• Productivity software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe)

The same applies to mobile devices, as Android and iOS updates often include patches for serious security flaws. Additionally, update your mobile apps regularly, as outdated versions can leave openings for attackers to exploit, especially if the app handles sensitive data like payment data or personal information.

Use Strong Security Software

In many cases, reputable antivirus software can detect and block ransomware before it runs by scanning downloads, websites, and programs for known threats or suspicious behavior. Just make sure the antivirus program is always up to date.

You should also consider setting up a firewall to block unauthorized connections, which can help prevent ransomware from spreading across your network or connecting to malicious servers. You can use your system’s built-in firewall or one included in a trusted security suite.

Regularly Back Up Your Data

A recent backup lets you restore your files without paying the ransom if your files are encrypted. Cybercriminals lose their leverage when you can simply reset your device and recover your data from a backup. Here are some best practices to follow:

• Follow the 3-2-1 rule—Keep three copies of your important data stored on two different types of media, with one copy kept offline.
• Keep offline backups disconnected—Ransomware can encrypt files on any connected device, including USBs and network shares. So, as soon as your backup is created on an external drive, unplug it immediately.
• Use cloud backups with versioning—Take advantage of versioning features offered by cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive. These platforms often keep previous versions of your files, which can be beneficial if ransomware encrypts your data and those changes sync to the cloud.

Be Cautious With Emails, Links, and Attachments

Be skeptical of unsolicited emails, especially those that urge immediate action. Ransomware gangs often impersonate trusted companies, like banks, delivery services, or utility providers, to trick you into clicking malicious links or downloading infected attachments.

Phishing isn’t just an email problem. You should also be alert of malicious links appearing in:

• Fake ads and pop-ups on sketchy websites
• Social media posts and direct messages
• Freeware from unofficial sources
• Drive-by downloads triggered by visiting compromised sites

Use Strong Authentication Methods

Ransomware attacks often leverage stolen or weak passwords to break into systems and deploy malware. Good password practices that can help prevent this from happening include:

• Using long (12+ characters) passwords for every account
• Not reusing passwords or creating easily guessable passwords
• Using a reputable password manager to generate and store secure passwords, so you only need to remember one strong master password
• Turning on multi-factor authentication (MFA) on key accounts like email, cloud backups, banking, and social media

Limit User Privileges and Access

Applying the principle of least privilege gives users and programs only the access they genuinely need. The general rule of thumb is to use a standard user account and only switch to an administrator account when necessary (e.g., installing software or changing system settings).

That’s because when you're using an admin account and accidentally run ransomware, the malware can exploit those privileges to encrypt system files, disable security tools, or embed deeply into your system. A standard account's reach is far more limited, reducing the damage or blocking the attack entirely.

Secure Your Network and WiFi

Even with strong passwords and limited user access, your defenses aren’t complete if your home network is vulnerable. Here’s how to strengthen it:

• Secure your router by changing the default admin password and using WPA2 or WPA3 encryption.
• Disable Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) if you don’t need it. If you do use it, set a strong password, enable Network Level Authentication, and use account lockout after failed attempts.
• Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your connection and protect your data from man-in-the-middle attacks.
• Turn off file sharing unless you’re using it.

Is Ransomware Prevention Enough To Keep Your Money Safe From Online Threats?

Ransomware attacks are only one type of online threat that aims to steal your money or payment card information. The steps you take to prevent ransomware might also protect you from malicious software that can compromise your credit or debit card details, such as keyloggers or spyware. 

However, ransomware prevention cannot protect your financial information after you share it with third parties, such as when you shop online. If a merchant suffers a data breach or has been targeted by ransomware, your payment data might be stolen, no matter how well you protect your system against ransomware.

To secure your card details from these threats, consider using virtual cards. They come with unique card numbers you can use for purchases, so even if a merchant gets hacked or is attacked by ransomware, your actual financial data stays protected. While certain banks might offer virtual cards, choosing an independent card provider such as Privacy will give you access to advanced card control features and flexible card types without opening an account in a specific bank.

Privacy Virtual Cards: Block Payment Threats and Outsmart Ransomware

More than 250,000 Americans rely on Privacy, a BBB-accredited provider, to simplify and secure their online payments. After linking your bank account or debit card to Privacy, you can generate virtual cards in seconds and use them with services accepting U.S. Visa^® and Mastercard^® cards.

To help protect your accounts and information, Privacy employs strict security measures, such as: 

• Two-factor authentication (2FA)—Adds an extra layer of protection to your account, even if your password is compromised
• End-to-end encryption—Safeguards your data both in transit and at rest and never stores your bank login credentials
• Secure data storage—Stores data on private servers protected by industry-grade firewalls and isolated from public access
• Fraud protection—Allows you to dispute potentially unauthorized charges, filing a chargeback against the merchant if there are grounds for it

Privacy Card Types and Features

Here’s an overview of the four types of virtual cards you can create with Privacy:

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With Privacy, you can also:

• Set spending limits to protect against potential overbilling or unexpected price increases. Charges above the preset limit will be denied.
• Pause or close cards to avoid unwanted charges after canceling a subscription or to secure your funds from potential unauthorized charges. Privacy will block all charges on paused or closed cards.

Additional Features of Privacy

Privacy helps you simplify your online spending by allowing you to:

• Autofill card details at checkout with the Privacy Browser Extension—available for Firefox, Edge, Chrome, Safari, and Safari for iOS
• Manage cards on the go with the Privacy App for Android or iOS—create, edit, or pause cards anytime
• Get real-time alerts for every charge or decline, helping you quickly identify potentially suspicious activity
• Label and organize cards with custom names or notes by merchant, category, or renewal date (ideal for budgeting)
• Use 1Password integration to manage your virtual cards and passwords in the password manager’s browser extension

How To Get a Privacy Card

Getting started with Privacy is quick and straightforward. In just a few steps, you’ll be ready to create and use your first virtual card:

1. Sign up for a Privacy account
2. Verify your identity by providing the required Know-Your-Customer (KYC) information
3. Link your funding source, such as a U.S. bank account or debit card
4. Request and generate your first Privacy Virtual Card

Privacy also offers four monthly plans designed to suit a range of spending needs:

References

^[1]Kolide. https://www.kolide.com/blog/moveit-hack-the-ransomware-attacks-explained, sourced May 28, 2025

^[2]Federal Bureau of Investigation. https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/ransomware, sourced May 5, 2025

^[3]​​No More Ransom. https://www.nomoreransom.org/en/index.html, sourced May 5, 2025

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